PUBG Is Officially Banned In Jordan Due To “Negative Effects” On The Youth

Following the similar move taken by the authorities of Gujarat, India, Jordan recently imposed a ban targeted at online battle royale game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) all over the kingdom. The online game is supposed to have “negative effects” on Jordan’s citizens, especially the youth. There’s no hope for this game to again become effective here.

Why do they ban PUBG?

Last weekend, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Jordan published a statement, giving reasons for the prohibition towards the game. One of them is that the game’s regarded as violent, which might lead to addiction and social isolation, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Some months ago, India gave the same explanation for their ban on PUBG, citing examples of a 19-year-old man committing suicide as his parents refused to buy him a mobile phone to play the game. 

In fact, there’s no available study from WHO accurately focusing on the impacts of PUBG on the youth. Also, WHO has not yet classified any games as violent, although the association confirmed that social impairment could be a part of gaming disorder diagnosis. 

Until the time of the ban, PUBG is so prevalent in Jordan that some institutions in the kingdom have warned their employees against playing the game. Psychologists of the country repeatedly claimed that PUBG incited violence and bullying among youth. 

Other six games to be banned

In their statement, the authorities of Jordan mention some countries also prohibiting PUBG, countries including China, India, Nepal, and Iraq. It appears as the establishment for the program, strengthening the assumption leading to their decision regarding PUBG.

After the ban, TRC plans to outlaw six other games. Fortnite is expected to be the closest. TRC’s representative said in an interview that a committee consisting of TRC members has been formed to receive complaints from Jordan citizens concerning violent games and their negative impacts.