The recent action by the Government in discouraging users from Player Unknown's Battlegrounds is clear negligence of the economic potential this industry has.

Let it be noted that in 2019, the US e-sports industry generated about $34.5 billion in revenue*; this shows that the government is still clueless about the scope of this industry. 

PUBG is banned due to its ‘addictive nature’ and ‘increased suicides’ however we fail to acknowledge that children are driven towards suicide from various other reasons such as the burden of academics, society’s expectations and so forth.

These children might look at e-sports as an escape route and as a way to relieve stress. We have to keep in mind that e-sports are far better than actual ‘addictive’ stuff that these children are exposed to e.g. Cigarettes, Drugs etc.

It is disappointing to see that indulging in e-sports is still seen as a waste of time in our country, and where we should support the emerging talent from our country, we ourselves are putting a stop to it.

Pakistan would never be able to compete on international platforms if we keep banning games, instead of putting a ban on PUBG, the government should focus more on areas that are still unchecked and actually need the government’s attention. 

IT IS HEREBY REQUESTED FOR AUTHORITIES TO RECONSIDER ITS POSITION ON E-SPORTS INDUSTRY.


* - the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and The NPD Group