PUBG Mobile and Free Fire are back in the headlines, this time for concerns beyond their massive player bases. Recent reports highlight a Nepalese parliamentarian's call for the government to ban these popular battle royale games, citing serious risks to young people's mental health.
These titles dominate the mobile battle royale genre, boasting billions of active players worldwide and region-specific versions. They fuel intense competition while delivering thrilling gameplay, but their popularity has sparked debates on addiction.
Several countries have imposed bans due to impacts on teenagers' education and well-being, including temporary restrictions and outright prohibitions.
According to Gem Wire reports, during a session in Nepal's House of Representatives, MP Asha Kumari BK urged authorities to prohibit online games like PUBG Mobile and Free Fire. She emphasized their threat to the mental health of the nation's youth.
In her address, she stated: "Games like PUBG Mobile and Free Fire negatively affect the mental health of children. Through the Speaker, I would like to bring this matter to the attention of the government. If this is not done, guardians and parents may someday knock on the door of the court seeking justice."
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Despite their popularity in Nepal—evidenced by local esports rankings from Skylightz Gaming—these games raise alarms. Parents worry about stifled creativity and deteriorating mental health among teens.
Nepal temporarily banned PUBG Mobile in 2019, only for the Supreme Court to lift it. A new ban could align Nepal with nations like Bangladesh. India banned PUBG Mobile in 2020 over security concerns, leading to Battlegrounds Mobile India by Krafton, severing ties with Tencent.
Listen to the MP's full speech below:
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