What Country is CoDM Garena Available In?
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The question of Call of Duty: Mobile (CoDM) Garena’s availability can be complex due to the game’s multi-regional server structure. Unlike the global version of CoDM published by Activision, CoDM Garena is specifically designed for the Southeast Asian market. It is primarily available in the following countries and regions:
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- Thailand
These countries and regions are where Garena initially released the game on September 29, 2019. The presence of Garena as a separate publisher is primarily due to regional licensing agreements and the desire to offer a more tailored experience to players in those specific locations. This means if you are outside of these listed areas, you won’t have access to the Garena version of the game. You will likely be playing on the global server operated by Activision unless you choose to use a VPN. The Garena version comes with slight variations, including region-specific events, content, and occasionally, gameplay modes.
Understanding CoDM’s Regional Differences
Global vs. Garena Versions
It is important to distinguish between the global version of Call of Duty: Mobile, published by Activision, and the regional version published by Garena. While both games share core gameplay elements, there are differences:
- Global Version: This version is available in most countries and regions where Google Play and the App Store are supported, excluding mainland China, Vietnam, and Belgium (as of October 1, 2019). It is managed by Activision, the creators of the Call of Duty franchise.
- Garena Version: This is designed specifically for Southeast Asia. It features a regionalized approach to in-game events, promotions, and some content. It’s published by Garena, a Singaporean game developer and publisher.
The server infrastructure also differs significantly. Garena operates its own servers, while Activision manages the servers for the global version. This means players on the Garena version cannot play directly with players on the global version and vice-versa.
Server Regions and Implications
The game utilizes different servers based on a user’s location. This has an important impact on gameplay, as you will primarily be matched with users located near you. The article highlights the following server region distinctions:
- Garena (SEA): Covers South East Asia (without Vietnam).
- Activision (Global): Serves the rest of the world (excluding China, Vietnam, and Belgium).
- VNG: Exclusively for Vietnam.
- Level Infinite: Exclusively for South Korea.
This regionalized server setup makes it difficult to play with players from other areas without using a VPN, which has some risks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play CoDM Garena in India?
No, CoDM Garena is not directly available in India. If you live in India, you are connected to the Activision’s global server if you download the game from the official app stores. This is why you may see different in-game events and offerings than players in Garena regions.
2. What is the difference between CoDM China and Garena?
The Chinese version of Call of Duty: Mobile, developed by Tencent Games, has a unique map named Oasis. Also, while the Garena version has ranked modes such as Death Match, Hardpoint, Search and Destroy, and Domination, the Chinese version substitutes Hardpoint with Frontline mode. The battle royale mode is largely the same with a few aesthetic tweaks.
3. Is CoDM available in Japan?
Yes, CoDM is available in Japan on the Activision’s global server. This was officially announced by Call of Duty: Mobile’s X (formerly Twitter) account which included Japan as one of the locations where the game was available.
4. Is Garena owned by China?
No, Garena is not owned by China. It is a Singaporean game developer and publisher, a subsidiary of Sea Ltd. Garena is a separate entity from Tencent, though they may have publishing agreements for different regions.
5. How can I use a VPN to play CoDM?
You can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to change your virtual location. Here’s how:
- Download and launch a VPN application like TikVPN.
- Choose a server location (e.g., Singapore for Garena).
- Connect to the VPN.
- Launch CoDM.
Important Note: Using a VPN can risk a ban according to CoDM’s terms of service.
6. Is CoDM available in the USA?
Yes, CoDM is available in the USA on the Activision’s global server. It was released on October 1, 2019, in all countries and regions where Google Play and the App Store are supported (with noted exceptions like China, Vietnam, and Belgium).
7. Is CoDM banned in UAE or Saudi Arabia?
Yes, CoDM is banned in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates due to content concerns. The game has also had restrictions imposed in Russia and Cuba.
8. Is CoDM banned in Pakistan?
Some Call of Duty games have been banned in Pakistan in the past due to their portrayal of the country in a negative light. However, the status of CoDM in Pakistan is currently unclear.
9. Can I play with players on different servers in CoDM?
No, you are automatically connected to the servers closest to you for better performance. You cannot directly switch server regions in the game’s settings.
10. What is the “sea server” in CoDM?
The SEA server in CoDM refers to the Garena server, which is for players in the Southeast Asian region (excluding Vietnam).
11. How can I change my server on CoDM?
You cannot manually change servers directly through the game’s settings. The game automatically selects the closest server to your physical location. Changing your server typically requires a VPN which is against the terms of service and may result in a ban.
12. Will I get banned for using a VPN on CoDM?
Yes, you can potentially get banned for using a VPN on CoDM, as it may violate the game’s terms of service related to spoofing. However, it’s not guaranteed, and some players who use router-based VPNs have not been banned.
13. Is using a VPN in Call of Duty illegal?
No, using a VPN itself is not illegal, and is not always against a game’s Terms of Service. Activision’s Terms of Service do not prohibit the use of a VPN. If the use of a VPN is for nefarious purposes, such as spoofing to use an advantage, then it can violate terms of service.
14. Is CoDM region-based?
Yes, CoDM uses a region-based system, automatically placing players on servers that are geographically closest to them. Changing your registered region will not affect server connections.
15. What countries is Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile available in?
Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile is currently only available in Australia, Chile, Norway, and Sweden.
By understanding these regional differences, players can get a better grasp of how the game operates and what their gameplay experience may be like based on their location.