New 'monitering' PUBG feature to help gamers play responsibly

If gameplay exceeds six hours, the system will temporarily suspend access, encouraging players to take 15-minute breaks every two hours before resuming the game.

(AP) - PUBG (Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds) Mobile announced on May 30 that it’s launching a pilot phase of its new ‘Gameplay Management" system in the Middle East - including the UAE - which aims to help youngsters play responsibly.

A popular game that has widely been criticized for its addictive nature will soon have a notification system for young players who spend consecutive hours playing the game.

The firm has created a notification system for younger players to help them better monitor and manage their time spent playing the game. If accumulated gameplay is between four to six hours, players under the age of 18 will be notified of total time spent on the game.

If gameplay exceeds six hours, the system will temporarily suspend access, encouraging players to take 15-minute breaks every two hours before resuming the game.

"We want to ensure that players enjoy the game in a balanced manner. The Gameplay Management will help players of all ages, but particularly younger players, make informed choices in managing their time spent playing the game. We are committed to doing all we can to support our PUBG MOBILE fan community in the Middle East as we meet our commitment to continue to provide a positive interactive entertainment experience", said Herman Zhao, Director of PUBG MOBILE Operation Team in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Khaleej Times has reported in April that UAE parents were calling for a ban on the PUBG game due to its "violent content and addictive nature". The multiplayer survival battle game has been developed by a South Korean firm. It was banned in cities across Gujarat, India. About 10 students were arrested for playing the game after the ban was implemented.

The Telecommunications and Regulatory Authority (TRA) had issued a statement regarding games as such previously and encouraged parents to step forward and file a report. "The TRA has issued the Internet Access Regulation n the UAE, which includes a number of prohibited content categories that allow operators to take the necessary measures against any violation or complaint in this regard. At the TRA, we count on the cooperation of individuals in reporting such sites, games or accounts, and consider them our partners in disclosing them and taking the necessary action against them.

"Concerning games, in particular, the TRA believes that the parents’ role is essential in reporting any game that they believe is dangerous to the youth. They can report it to competent security authorities, telecom operators or the TRA. We assure that our communication channels with the public are open round the clock."

The new system will be introduced to other international markets in the coming months.