BGMI limits game time for players under 18 years but is it too heavy-handed? | Digit

BGMI is back and is available to download from Google Play Store. The Indian government has allowed its return on a 3-month trial basis and has mandated some changes to ensure user safety and security. Two such rules in the game are restricted game time and spending limits for minors. 

Let’s know how these BGMI rules work:

BGMI limits for minors: Time and money

1. If you are aged below 18 years, you will have to get permission from your parents to play BGMI and still, you will get to play only 3 hours a day. It is, however, yet to be known how Krafton plans to ascertain the player’s age and identity.

2. Minors will be allowed to spend only up to ₹7000 for using BGMI’s paid service. This slab could change depending on changes in the daily exchange rate.

Also Read: How BGMI Got A 3-Month Lease On Life And Should You Be Excited?

These rules are in some ways similar to China’s 1-hour daily limits on kids’ online gaming activity. So, let’s see how such rules played out in our neighbouring country to understand their potential positives and negatives.

BGMI game limits: Pros and cons

On the face of it, these are well-intended measures to control user (especially of younger age) addiction, overspending, and any physical or psychological harm these behaviours cause them and the people around them. Kids can utilize that time for other productive or relaxing activities.

For instance, in China, a year after the rule came into force, the number of young players cratered to 82.6 million in 2022 from 122 million in 2020 (Source: Niko Partners). The parents are also reportedly satisfied with the result. 

However, it isn’t as black and white as that.

Like with every other form of tech, ie., it all depends on how we use them. The effects of gaming also vary from person to person.

Also Read: Will Green Blood Make BGMI Game Any Less Violent?

As some studies suggest, gaming is a good exercise for the brain. It improves the cognitive abilities of a person.

Ideally, the folks who understand the kid the most, ie., parents are in the best position to monitor the effects of gaming on young minds. But since this isn’t an ideal world, we suppose as long as the government regulations help kids have healthy boundaries in gaming, it’s fine.

Also Read: Indian Gaming Industry And Twitter Cheers Return Of BGMI Game

Moreover, if ever the rules introduced in BGMI become a norm for the entire industry, then that could affect the business of many companies and individual careers. Well, that’s also something to think about.