Signs indicate that access restrictions on Steam in Vietnam are tightening once again. While access was previously restricted mainly around the store and payment pages, user reports have recently been pouring in stating that game downloads, updates, community features, and cloud synchronization are also unavailable.
Vietnamese gaming outlet GameK reported on October 2 that local users are experiencing widespread issues logging into Steam or failing to access the Steam Store. Some users reported that even downloading game updates has virtually come to a standstill. However, it has not been confirmed that Vietnamese authorities or local telecom providers have officially announced new blocking measures in October.
Similar circumstances are confirmed through actual user reports. Starting October 2, posts continued to emerge across Vietnamese online communities stating that users could not access the Steam Store and community pages, and that even game downloads and updates—which were previously functional—no longer work. Some users explained that they could regain access when using a VPN.
The situation persisted on October 3. A user identifying as an FPT internet subscriber stated that applying Google DNS (8.8.8.8) and Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) failed to restore game downloads and updates, prompting them to use a VPN. Another user noted that while previously only the store was blocked, the impact now extends beyond the store and community to include game downloads and save file synchronization. However, there are also cases of users on the same FPT network using Steam normally, indicating that differences exist depending on the region and network.
Separate reports regarding cloud features also surfaced. On October 2, cases were reported in local communities that Steam Cloud synchronization was not working, followed by reactions that games and community features that were previously accessible could no longer be reached. Overall, the scope of restrictions experienced by users appears to have broadened compared to before.
This is not the first time Steam access has been restricted in Vietnam. Vietnamese authorities officially confirmed blocking certain Steam services back in May 2024. At the time, Le Quang Tu Do, Director General of the Authority of Broadcasting, Television and Electronic Information under the Ministry of Information and Communications, stated through VnExpress that games distributed in Vietnam must obtain local approval, but Steam operator Valve failed to respond to contact from authorities. The blocks back then were primarily focused on store and payment functions, while games that were already installed remained playable.
Since December 25, 2024, Vietnam has been enforcing Decree 147/2024/ND-CP, which regulates internet services and online information provision. Current regulations categorize online games offered in Vietnam by type and require operators and game services to fulfill licensing and administrative procedures. Overseas operators distributing games in Vietnam are also subject to local regulations.
Regulatory controversy surrounding Steam continued this year. In May, the official gaming portal of the Vietnamese broadcasting and electronic information authority highlighted issues citing claims from the local gaming industry that numerous games were being provided via Steam without local licensing. However, because this content relayed concerns raised by the local industry rather than official findings published by the authority itself, it should not be interpreted as the authority officially classifying all games distributed on Steam as 'illegal games.'
Recently, the PC version of 'PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS' also became the center of local regulatory controversy. Thanh Niên reported on September 23 that PUBG PC lacks official distribution licensing in Vietnam, and that authorities are reviewing measures to block unlicensed service provision. Unlike 'PUBG MOBILE', which is officially licensed in Vietnam, the PC version is provided to local users through global service.
VietNamNet also reported that unlicensed games continue to be distributed through overseas platforms such as Steam and the Epic Games Store. It noted that while some telecom providers were already restricting access to Steam, the block was not applied uniformly across all ISPs and regions.
However, no direct causal link has been confirmed between the recent PUBG PC issue and the Steam access disruptions emerging in October. There is also no confirmed official announcement from the Vietnamese government or local telecom providers issuing a new order for a complete ban on Steam regarding this disruption. Nevertheless, unlike previous access restrictions centered on the store, recent reports of users unable to download games, update, access the community, or sync cloud files are mounting, showing that the practical scope of Steam restrictions experienced by local users has broadened compared to before.
