GAM × TE management has released a statement criticizing KRAFTON's communication failures and inadequate response to the PUBG Asia Stars 2026 controversy.
Official Statement from GAM The Expendables Management
Regarding KRAFTON's Official Decision on PUBG Asia Stars 2026
GAM × TE management received official notification from KRAFTON on September 23, 2026, regarding the investigation results and disciplinary measures concerning TanVuu and Himass.
It is an established fact that TanVuu had his personal livestream chat open during the match, and no one denies this.
However, we cannot agree that someone's mistake or unintentional action should automatically be considered a serious violation warranting a permanent ban.
In particular, we do not agree that such an action should be classified as a serious violation simply because the tournament organizer decided to define it that way after the incident occurred.
This tournament was organized and presented by KRAFTON as an event combining friendly competition and interaction between streamers and professional players.
Under these circumstances, the harshest possible punishment—a permanent account ban and permanent disqualification from all official regional tournaments—has been imposed without adequately considering the specific nature of the action or the circumstances of the tournament.
KRAFTON has repeatedly acknowledged its failures in tournament management and communication.
There were instances in which explanations of the incident were delayed or unclear, and inadequate communication and coordination across languages further escalated the controversy, causing greater harm to those involved.
When an organization acknowledges operational failures of this magnitude, it should not shift all responsibility onto a single player by imposing the harshest possible punishment.
GAM × TE Management Requests the Following from KRAFTON:
1. Guarantee that the player can exercise his right to appeal through a fair and transparent process, with clear standards and deadlines.
2. Reconsider whether imposing a permanent ban across the entire competitive system is appropriate simply because the action has been confirmed. In particular, we ask KRAFTON to consider that the tournament organizer itself has acknowledged its operational responsibility for the overall incident.
3. Fulfill the promises made in its official announcement regarding recovery and support for affected participants, and ensure that these commitments are specifically applied to TanVuu's case.
GAM × TE management will stand alongside TanVuu throughout the entire appeals process.
We fully understand that the likelihood of the decision being overturned is extremely low. Nevertheless, we will do everything within our power to protect the player's legitimate rights and interests.
We once again ask the community to stop all forms of personal attacks targeting individuals involved in this incident, their nationality, or their families.
Such attacks do not help TanVuu, Himass, or anyone else.
It is time for them to stop.
To TanVuu:
You are not going through this alone. The entire team stands behind you.
GAM × TE Management
My Interpretation of GAM × TE's Statement
In other words, GAM × TE appears to be protecting its Vietnamese players while shifting responsibility onto KRAFTON.
KRAFTON initially contacted GAM × TE to verify whether stream sniping had occurred.
GAM × TE reportedly responded that the players had viewed the chat but had not watched another player's livestream.
KRAFTON communicated this information to the Korean streamers. However, following strong objections, KRAFTON conducted a further investigation and confirmed that the Vietnamese streamers had watched the Korean streamers' screens.
KRAFTON subsequently published an official apology and decided to investigate and impose disciplinary measures on the Vietnamese streamers.
Official Statement from Anyone's Legend
Anyone's Legend has also released the following statement regarding the disciplinary decision.
Anyone's Legend has received official information regarding the disciplinary decision concerning Himass.
Himass is a Vietnamese player currently competing under Anyone's Legend.
As his organization, we take this decision extremely seriously, as it has a direct and long-term impact on the player's professional career.
Over the past several days, the PUBG Asia Stars 2026 incident has attracted significant attention not only in Vietnam but also across the international community, giving rise to several complex issues.
Under the current circumstances, Anyone's Legend believes that calmness, transparency, and respect for official procedures are essential above all else.
Together with the player and relevant parties, we are comprehensively reviewing the full details of the decision, the regulations cited as its basis, the rulebook in effect at the time of the incident, the tournament's operational procedures, the instructions provided to the player, and all relevant materials.
We also acknowledge that KRAFTON has publicly admitted shortcomings in its management and handling of the incident.
Because this decision could have a permanent impact on a professional player's career, we believe that the grounds for the decision, the procedures followed, and the standards applied must be reviewed thoroughly, clearly, and consistently.
Anyone's Legend will support Himass in exercising his right to appeal through official procedures and will communicate with the relevant parties through appropriate official channels.
At the same time, we ask the community to refrain from attacking any individual, organization, community, or country, and from spreading unverified information.
We are not asking for special treatment for our player.
We simply ask that he be treated according to fair, transparent, and consistent standards.
Anyone's Legend will continue to stand alongside our player and provide the necessary support throughout this period.
We will provide further updates when appropriate information becomes available for public disclosure.
Additional Information: PUBG PC's Legal Status in Vietnam
Unfortunately, PUBG PC is reportedly being distributed without authorization in Vietnam. The licensing agreement covered only PUBG Mobile.
Additional article: https://vietnamnet.vn/game-pubg-pc-dang-duoc-phat-hanh-khong-phep-tai-viet-nam-2557659.html
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