GameLoop is Officially Only Banned in India as of 2023
As of 2023, the Android emulator GameLoop, also known as Tencent Gaming Buddy, is only officially banned for use in India. All services and servers for the software have been shut down in the country by government request.
However, Gamers in other regions across the globe can continue using GameLoop on their PCs, at least for now. But there are a few risks to consider before downloading this emulator backed by Chinese tech giant Tencent.
Why India Banned GameLoop in 2020
In 2020, India banned over 100 Chinese mobile apps over national security concerns amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Major games like PLAYERUNKNOWN Battlegrounds (PUBG) Mobile were part of this ban.
Seeing as GameLoop is also property of Chinese company Tencent Games, the emulator was swept up in this decision as well.
Specifically, the Indian government requested app store removals and service shutdowns for GameLoop in the country, which Tencent complied with.
According to analytics firm SensorTower, GameLoop had over 13 million installations from India before getting banned.
Ever since, attempts to circumvent the ban using VPNs or foreign accounts have been largely unsuccessful. Gamers in the country have been forced to seek alternatives.
No Evidence of Bans in Other Countries Yet
In my research across gaming publications, tech news sites, and app trackers, I could find no evidence of GameLoop being banned officially in any other country besides India so far.
Monitoring groups like App Annie show that GameLoop has maintained millions of worldwide downloads across 2022 and 2023.
The app does not appear to have faced any major government-requested restrictions outside of India as of now.
However, that does not mean security experts and gamers alike don‘t have concerns about GameLoop‘s Chinese ownership and data practices.
Behind the Scenes: The Risks of Tencent GameLoop
GameLoop privacy policies and permissions reveal very clearly that this emulator allows for extensive data gathering and sharing.
Information collected includes:
- Device identifiers
- Installed app lists
- Precise location
- Network carrier
- Browsing history
- Hardware and usage statistics
Much of this data supports GameLoop‘s features and functionality. However, Tencent also utilizes it for targeted advertising and analytics purposes.
Gamers wary of privacy risks from major Chinese technology companies may want to steer clear of GameLoop, even if not enforced by law. The app‘s background processes also consume significant device resources.
Furthermore, Tencent does comply with Chinese government requests for user information, meaning data could find its way into state surveillance initiatives.
While no smoking gun evidence makes GameLoop clearly dangerous, informed consumers should consider alternatives that don‘t provide a pipeline of personal data back to Tencent HQ.
GameLoop Usage and Download Statistics
Despite privacy concerns, GameLoop remains popular across 2022 and 2023 so far. Some usage statistics according to the app tracker 42 Matters:
| Total Downloads | 500 million+ |
| Downloads in 2022 | 130 million+ |
| Countries with Most Installs | India, Brazil, United States |
India made up a massive 30%+ chunk of this user base before the 2020 ban. Brazil, the United States, and Indonesia now lead installs.
Tencent is clearly working to expand GameLoop‘s reach globally, even as governments like India crack down for political reasons.
Gamers continue flocking to the software for popular titles like Call of Duty Mobile, FreeFire, and more. Downloads could surpass 150 million in 2024.
What Should Gamers Do Outside Banned Regions?
For most gamers around the world, GameLoop itself remains accessible and unlikely to become outright banned in additional countries. However, I suggest considering alternatives more aligned with personal privacy values.
Understand the risks. While GameLoop isn‘t confirmed "malware", its data collection should give pause. Tencent and the Chinese regime may access sensitive information.
Evaluate options. Emulators like BlueStacks and LDPlayer provide similar functionality with less exposure to Tencent‘s grip. Or use platforms that align with privacy priorities.
Proceed carefully. If choosing to use GameLoop, limit permissions, utilize antivirus software, and monitor for suspicious activity. Don‘t link sensitive accounts without caution.
In closing, GameLoop has only faced an official ban in India over geopolitics between the country and China in recent years. The software itself continues operating around the globe, though users should understand Tencent‘s incentives before jumping in.
As government policies evolve, GameLoop‘s status could as well. But for now average gamers likely have little to fear beyond privacy concerns related to installs.
