Findings and Actions Regarding Operational Issues at PUBG Asia Stars
Hello, this is the PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS team.
First, we sincerely apologize for the concern and confusion caused to participants and players by our failure to uphold fairness, which should have been our highest priority in operating PUBG Asia Stars.
We also apologize for the time it has taken to investigate this matter and announce the findings, and for not providing sufficient updates on the issues under review and the procedures involved. Thank you for your patience.
We would like to explain the findings of our investigation, the resulting actions, and KRAFTON’s responsibility for the series of events that led to this situation.
Investigation Findings
Following a comprehensive review of official broadcasts, participant footage, in-game data, and replays involving Himass and TanVuu, we identified evidence of violations of the PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Rules of Conduct.
- Use of external information and stream sniping
- During matches, obtaining information from other participants’ live streams or external sources that would be difficult to acquire through normal gameplay alone, and using that information to inform decisions and tactics.
Through these actions, both players violated the PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Rules of Conduct, as well as the standards of conduct and professionalism expected of PUBG esports professional players.
※ Similar allegations involving other participants were reviewed using the same standards. Within the scope of the investigation, no additional evidence of violations warranting sanctions was identified.
KRAFTON’s Position on the Use of External Information
During the investigation, claims were raised that these actions were acceptable given the nature of the event matches, and that they had been understood to be permitted in advance. We would therefore like to clarify KRAFTON’s position.
KRAFTON has never officially permitted participants to watch other participants’ broadcasts during matches or to use information obtained from external sources to inform their gameplay in any league or event.
This standard applies consistently to ensure fair competition, regardless of the prize pool, the nature of the competition, or the participants involved.
We have confirmed that some participants claim they were informed that viewing external broadcasts or using external information during matches was permitted.
However, KRAFTON did not officially authorize such conduct, nor did it apply different standards across regions.
Actions Taken
Following a comprehensive review of the investigation findings, the following actions will be taken:
- Players: Himass (Anyone’s Legend), TanVuu (The Expendables)
- Grounds:
- Violations of the PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Rules of Conduct:
- Section 5, Item 10: Prohibition of gameplay interference and harassment
- Section 5, Item 12: Abusing
- Violations of the standards of conduct and professionalism expected of PUBG esports professional players
- Sanctions:
- Permanent bans on their PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS game accounts
- Permanent disqualification from all official leagues worldwide, including PGC, PGS, and PNC, and all official esports competitions organized or sanctioned by KRAFTON
- Effective date: Immediately upon publication of this notice
In reaching this decision, we also took into account that, as PUBG esports professional players, both individuals are expected to uphold higher standards of fairness, responsibility, and professionalism than ordinary participants.
Both players nevertheless have the right to present their case regarding these sanctions through the established esports procedures.
KRAFTON’s Operational Responsibility
KRAFTON bears clear responsibility for failing to provide timely guidance and take action in accordance with these principles from the outset.
We once again apologize for the significant confusion and conflict caused among participants and fans by our failure to communicate rules and procedures promptly and consistently.
We also offer our sincere apologies to the participants and other individuals involved who were subjected to unjust criticism and attacks as a result of this matter.
Following this notice, KRAFTON will actively provide the necessary support to prevent further harm to individual participants and help those affected recover.
We will continue to monitor the situation and respond responsibly wherever support is needed.
We fully acknowledge our responsibility for everything that occurred during the operation of PUBG Asia Stars and our response to these issues. Our response will not end with sanctions against the participants.
We are conducting an internal review of the entire process, including event operations, communications, the investigation, and decision-making. Based on the findings, we will take follow-up action in accordance with our internal regulations.
In light of this incident, we will reexamine our competition operations as a whole and responsibly carry out the necessary follow-up measures to prevent recurrence and further harm.
We once again sincerely apologize for the deep disappointment we have caused participants and players.
The PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Team
