PUBG PC faces massive boycott in Vietnam following player bans

The PUBG PC community in Vietnam is experiencing a massive backlash following decisions made by publisher Krafton. The controversy began at the PUBG Asia Stars 2026 tournament, where Vietnamese players Himass and TanVuu were accused of “stream sniping”—using live broadcast information to gain a competitive advantage. Krafton issued permanent global bans and account closures for both players, a move that many fans and professional players have criticized as disproportionately severe for an exhibition event.

The incident has triggered a widespread boycott. High-profile Vietnamese streamers, including Độ Mixi, PewPew, and Rambo, have publicly announced they are deleting the game and ceasing related content production. This movement reflects deep dissatisfaction with Krafton’s perceived lack of transparency and inconsistent rule enforcement.

Compounding the situation, reports indicate that PUBG PC lacks an official publishing license in Vietnam. Authorities are reportedly considering measures to restrict access to the game, as it is currently accessed via international platforms like Steam. The removal of Vietnamese language support and the disappearance of local tournament schedules from official esports platforms have further fueled concerns regarding the game's future in the region.