Tencent has scrapped the launch of the test version of global blockbuster “PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds” in China, after failing to get regulatory approval.

The Chinese company instread shifted users to a similar, more patriotic video game which, unlike PUBG, has regulatory approval to generate revenue.

PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PubG) is a battle-royale video game, similar to the global hit Fortnite, in which 100 players fight for survival.

The game was developed in South Korea but Tencent had licensed the game and was testing a mobile app version in China.

Players in China have been offered a state-approved alternative instead.

Tencent failed to get the necessary approval to offer in-app purchases and could not make money from the game.

Announcing the closure on micro-blogging site Weibo, the company said players could download the state-approved Force for Peace instead. The game is similar in style to PubG but removes some depictions of violence and adds some socialist themes.

Force For Peace will even let players carry over their ranking and in-game items from PubG Mobile.