PUBG's Vietnam Operations Collapse After Stream-Sniping Bans Trigger Boycotts and License Questions
KRAFTON's permanent bans of two players at PUBG Asia Stars 2026 sparked widespread backlash in Vietnam, leading esports organizations and internet cafes to abandon the game. The crisis escalated when PUBG's Vietnamese social channels went dark and the
KRAFTON is managing a significant crisis in Vietnam centered on PUBG, where disciplinary action has ballooned into a threat to the game's regulatory standing in the region.
The trouble started during PUBG Asia Stars 2026, a regional exhibition tournament. Two competitors, 'Himass' and 'TanVuu', faced accusations of stream-sniping, where players check an opponent's livestream to gain competitive advantage. KRAFTON responded by ejecting both players from the tournament and issuing permanent bans along with lifetime exclusions from all KRAFTON-backed esports events.
The decision triggered immediate and widespread backlash. Vietnamese esports personalities, pro players, and community members began boycotting PUBG. Several esports organizations withdrew support for the game, and internet cafes across Vietnam started uninstalling it from their machines.
The situation deteriorated further when PUBG's operational status came into question. KRAFTON apparently does not hold an official license to operate PUBG in Vietnam. Following this discovery, the publisher silently canceled upcoming PUBG Vietnam Series matches and deactivated the game's Vietnamese social channels across YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
The scope of the fallout raises concerns about the future of PUBG's presence in Vietnam and threatens a significant portion of the regional community.
Sources
- Insider GamingEstablished publication · recorded Sep 27, 2026PUBG Crisis Worsens in Vietnam as KRAFTON Stares Down Regulatory Impact