Jordan bans online game PUBG over 'negative effects'

E-Paper | March 12, 2026

Jordan on Saturday banned the hugely popular but brutal online game PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, citing its “negative effects” on the kingdom's citizens.

Often likened to the blockbuster book and film series “The Hunger Games”, PUBG pits marooned characters against each another in a virtual fight to the death, and has become one of the world's most popular mobile games.

A source in Jordan's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority warned the game “had negative effects on its users, which led to its being officially blocked”.

The move follows similar bans in Iraq, Nepal, the Indian state of Gujarat and the Indonesian province of Aceh.

In May, Chinese tech giant Tencent ceased offering the game, instead directing users to a newly launched and nearly identical programme it created.

PUBG is widely popular in Jordan and institutions in the kingdom have issued warnings to employees not to play it.

Psychologists in the country have repeatedly warned the game encourages violence and contributes to bullying among youth.

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BTS

Jul 07, 2019 12:03am

Should be banned in Pakistan ASAP. It’s breeding gun violence amongst young adults.

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Daskalos

Jul 07, 2019 12:15am

PBUG and Fortnite and similar such violent games should really be blocked all over the world. Instead of censoring media our online authorities should be blocking these games with negative effects on youth .

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Jack

Jul 07, 2019 12:26am

This is good news. More countries should ban these sort of games.

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Laila

Jul 07, 2019 12:52am

Surprising as Jordan is quite modern in any regards. Just look t their royal family.

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Gordon D. Walker

Jul 07, 2019 02:00am

In a related story the Pope has banned the Bible for promoting violence, racism and self-delusion... Gordon D. Walker Canada

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Adhityan

Jul 07, 2019 08:52am

Good

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Jimmy

Jul 07, 2019 12:51pm

Video games are a means for expressing oneself. There is a reason why games such as Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto etc are popular. The argument is where would gamers channel these expressions if such platforms are banned. Would they use similar alternative games or simply operate in society with scoffed up feelings.

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Asim

Jul 07, 2019 01:33pm

@Laila, what's the connection between being modern and being violent?

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Majnu786

Jul 07, 2019 04:09pm

Those who talk about banning PUBG has never played it. Such a pity.

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Javed

Jul 07, 2019 09:40pm

@Jack, it is ironic what Anrabic could see in the games when test of the refuses to do.

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Laila

Jul 07, 2019 10:47pm

@Asim, Most modern societies don't ban games or media because the nderlying reasons for violence is not some stupid game or book or hardcore rap song. I don't know the violence rate of Jordan but I know of Jordan being fairly modern and somewhat peaceful and home to many Palestinians and Iraqis in addition to native Jordanians. I can't image huge issues with violence. Banning some media is always easier than looking at the root cause which can be environmental, social or political.

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