Himass (proper) and TanVuu had been handed what was described as unjustified bans by PUBG. Picture: Instagram
Krafton on Friday introduced its plans for the 2027 PUBG esports season, outlining main adjustments to the variety of tournaments, crew qualification course of and factors system.
Probably the most important change considerations the PUBG World Collection (PGS), the sport’s main worldwide match circuit.
PUBG worldwide viewership plunges by greater than 60%
In 2026, Krafton organized 12 PGS occasions.
Beneath the newly introduced plan, nonetheless, the circuit will likely be decreased to only 4 phases in 2027, every that includes regional qualifiers adopted by a corresponding PGS occasion.
This implies the prevailing 12-event PGS format will now not proceed in its present type, a transfer seen as a significant setback for PUBG.
The change is especially notable as a result of Krafton introduced in February 2026 that it could enhance funding, increase the competitors schedule and lift prize cash to develop PUBG esports.
The restructuring comes as PUBG faces a powerful backlash following the everlasting bans imposed on Vietnamese gamers Himass and TanVuu on September 23.
Krafton’s choice prompted giant numbers of Vietnamese avid gamers and streamers to announce boycotts, cease broadcasting the sport or delete it.
Some PUBG neighborhood members in China and Thailand additionally voiced opposition.
In the meantime, latest worldwide tournaments have seen a pointy decline in viewership.
In accordance with Esports Charts, PGS 8 in August attracted a median of 132,108 viewers, with peak viewership reaching 263,037.
At PGS 11, which ended on October 25, common viewership fell to only 48,476, a drop of 63.3 %. Peak viewership additionally declined by 65.9 % to 89,603.
These figures level to weakening curiosity in PUBG esports. Nonetheless, there isn’t a confirmed proof that the 2027 match restructuring was pushed by the boycott wave or falling viewership.
PUBG’s 12-event World Collection format will likely be changed by 4 phases in 2027. Picture: PGS
What lies forward for PUBG in Vietnam?
Together with restructuring the match circuit, Krafton has determined to finish assured PGS spots for international associate groups.
Beginning in 2027, all groups, together with long-standing companions, must qualify by regional tournaments to safe a spot within the PGS. The change may have an effect on Vietnamese groups.
Krafton can be revising the factors system for qualification for the PUBG World Championship (PGC).
Beneath the brand new system, PGC qualification factors will likely be primarily based on ends in the PGS, moderately than a mixture of worldwide and regional factors as earlier than.
Nonetheless, two main PUBG tournaments, the PUBG Nations Cup and PGC, will stay on the 2027 calendar, scheduled for July and the top of the yr, respectively.
PUBG’s aggressive scene in Vietnam can be going through uncertainty. Following the bans on Himass and TanVuu, former world champion crew The Expendables disbanded, whereas PUBG Vietnam Collection 2026 Section 2 was ended early by Krafton.
The writer has but to announce particular plans for Vietnam’s home match circuit underneath the brand new system.