Brazilian PUBG Mobile pro banned for racism

PUBG Mobile racism seems to have become a recurring problem in the Brazilian pro scene. Gabriel "NTX" Garcia, from the Influence Rage team, who used to participate in the PMPL (Pro League), was recently guilty of inappropriate behaviour during a personal stream session. Without going into detail, he used racist language and adopted a toxic attitude. The Brazilian Pro League organisers and the game's publisher, Tencent, decided to sanction the player. The player was banned from all competitions in Brazil and elsewhere for one year. Influence Rage also announced that it had parted ways with the player.

Beyond the case of NTX, the situation is all the more questionable as it is the second Brazilian player to be banned for the same reason in the space of a fortnight. This is a stain on the image of PUBG Mobile and its scene. esport.

PUBG Mobile racism in Brazil, a cultural problem?

Before NTX, it was Brazilian INTZ player Lucas "Goodzin" Martins who received a similar sanction. During a stream interview, he called another player a "black son of a bitch", which speaks for itself. While Goodzin may not have intended to be insulting, such comments are unacceptable. Even if there is no racist intent, it can hurt and as a pro player he has a duty to set an example. In NTX's case, the same mechanics apply, as the target of his racist remarks was one of his own teammates! NTX explained that they had known each other for a long time and that he had taken the liberty of saying this because of their proximity. However, these explanations were not enough to convince the organisers and Tencent to avoid the sanction (article 6.3.3 of the rules).

Racism is a slippery and sensitive subject. esport has a strong interest in providing an inclusive and safe space for all. The problem is that the perception of racism, what is acceptable and what is unacceptable, varies from country to country. Thus, the witnesses and victims in both cases would not have been shocked by the remarks and would have taken it in jest. This does not excuse anything, but the subject is complex. Do you understand the sanctions?

Tencent and the Pro League determined to continue on this path

In any case, Tencent and the Pro League are on a course and intend to stay on it. They will continue to hunt down racist comments to educate the scene, even if those comments are clumsy or unconscious. With these first two cases of racism on PUBG Mobile, there is a precedent and everyone now knows the penalties. The organisers have warned that they will be watching all networks as well as personal streams.