Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) 4.0 update is here, and it’s being hailed as one of the most ambitious patches yet. From cultural nods to India’s heritage to fresh gameplay mechanics that redefine strategy, the update brings something for every player. At the heart of this evolution is Karan Gaikwad, Lead of the Product Team at KRAFTON India.
In an exclusive interview with TalkEsport, Karan opened up about the creative vision behind BGMI 4.0, the inspirations that shaped it, and how KRAFTON India continues to put the community at the center of every decision.
BGMI 4.0: The “Most Ambitious” Update
For Karan, the excitement around BGMI 4.0 lies in its sheer variety and player-first approach. “BGMI 4.0 is one of our most ambitious updates to date, and what excites me most is the variety it offers,” he shared. The update introduces brand-new features, like Ghost Mode, the Stepwell POI inspired by Indian architecture, and Diwali-themed experiences, to give players new ways to strategize, celebrate, and enjoy BGMI together.
Stepwell POI: India’s Heritage Meets Battle Royale
One of the standout features is the Stepwell Point of Interest (POI) on Erangel. The inspiration came directly from India’s cultural roots. “Stepwells are not only visually striking but also deeply symbolic of community gathering spaces in India. By introducing the Stepwell POI, we wanted to celebrate that uniqueness while also creating a fresh gameplay zone,” Karan explained.
The Stepwell isn’t just about aesthetics—it reshapes gameplay. With vertical combat layers, hidden corners, and ambush opportunities, players will have to rethink how they approach fights. “Battles here will be intense and unpredictable,” he added, painting a picture of dynamic engagements where enemies can strike from above, below, or within tight corners.
Ghost Mode and the Power of Ghostie
Perhaps the most transformative feature of 4.0 is Ghost Mode, which brings an entirely new layer of strategy. “In Ghost Mode, players get a Ghost Partner that supports them with special skills,” Karan revealed. Ghostie offers active abilities like lifting players or transforming into a shield, and passive abilities such as healing, armor repair, boosting movement, or revealing enemies.
Players can upgrade these skills mid-match, allowing them to adapt strategies dynamically. Importantly, even eliminated players stay involved. “When players are eliminated, they can enter a Ghost state, where Ghostie helps them continue contributing until they are revived or their energy runs out,” Karan said. This ensures squads can keep relying on each other, making Ghost Mode a blend of survival support and tactical depth.
Why BGMI 4.0 is Special For Indian Players
Localization continues to be a cornerstone of KRAFTON’s vision for BGMI. “What sets BGMI 4.0 apart is the depth of localization,” Karan explained. The Stepwell POI reflects India’s architectural brilliance, while Diwali events and cultural cues are embedded throughout. “It’s special because it creates a sense of belonging, while also keeping gameplay globally competitive and cutting-edge.”
Celebrating Diwali, BGMI Style
With Diwali approaching, BGMI is embracing the festive spirit with multiple themed experiences. From Oct 3–23, the Happy Diwali Exchange Center lets players complete missions for permanent purple items, event crates, and gifts. The Diwali Exchange Tokens run from Oct 17–Nov 16, while the Ludo H5 mini-game offers festive rewards, including themed vehicles, from Oct 16–Nov 17.
Adding to the immersion, fireworks will light up Erangel and Livik between Oct 18–24. “Players can enjoy both scheduled sky displays and player-triggered fireworks in the new Stepwell POI,” Karan noted.
The Fan Favourites
Asked which new feature he expects to become a community favourite, Karan didn’t hesitate: “Ghost Mode stands out as the most exciting new feature. With the Ghost Partner’s active and passive skills and the Ghost of Death mechanic, it adds fresh tactical depth and new ways for players to support their squads.”
But when it comes to his own preference, Karan has a soft spot for Stepwell. “My favourite is the new Stepwell POI on Erangel. The mix of vertical gameplay and tight spaces makes every fight feel tense and dynamic, giving players a fresh challenge in every match.”
Listening To The Community
One of the defining aspects of KRAFTON India’s approach is its responsiveness to player voices. “Listening to our community is at the heart of how we operate,” Karan emphasized. Feedback from social media, livestreams, and forums plays a pivotal role in refining gameplay, balancing features, and even spotlighting cultural elements. “The community shapes BGMI as much as we do, and that two-way dialogue is what keeps the game evolving meaningfully.”
For Aspiring Developers
Before signing off, Karan also had a word for India’s budding game developers: “Focus on creating experiences, not just mechanics. Stay curious, collaborate, and keep learning. Most importantly, stay connected to your community. The Indian gaming industry has huge opportunities for bold, passionate ideas.”
With BGMI 4.0, KRAFTON India isn’t just delivering another update, it’s weaving together heritage, innovation, and community spirit into one of India’s most beloved games. From the adrenaline of Ghost Mode to the cultural celebration of Stepwell and Diwali, this update highlights KRAFTON’s vision: to make BGMI not just a game, but a shared experience that grows with its players.