The “Good”: Why Players Enjoy It
- Accessibility: It is specifically designed to run smoothly on low-end smartphones with minimal RAM, making high-quality gaming inclusive for a broader audience.
- Skill Development: Regular play can improve cognitive skills such as reflexes, fast decision-making, and strategic thinking.
- Social Connectivity: Features like squad play and voice chat allow friends to socialize and build teamwork.
- Quick Gameplay: Matches are fast-paced, typically lasting only 10–15 minutes, which is ideal for casual players who don’t have time for longer sessions.
The “Bad”: Risks and Criticisms
- High Addiction Risk: The game’s reward structure—using variable rewards like a “near hit-and-miss” slot machine—is designed to be habit-forming. This can lead to “Gaming Disorder,” recognized by the WHO, where gaming takes precedence over sleep, eating, and education.
- Behavioral Issues: Research in 2025 indicates that excessive play is strongly linked to increased irritability, aggression, and “toxic” social behavior, such as using harsh language with peers and family.
- Academic Decline: Frequent players often suffer from late-night gaming sessions (sometimes until 3 AM), leading to fatigue, lack of focus in class, and neglected homework.
- Financial Pressure: The game heavily promotes in-app purchases (“Top-ups”) for skins and characters. In some 2025 cases, this has led to extreme financial losses, including a 14-year-old in India losing ₹14 lakh of family savings.
- Safety Concerns: Open chat features can expose young players to inappropriate language or cyber criminals.