Four of the world’s largest gaming developers have stopped their sales in Russia: Epic Games (Fortnite), Activision Blizzard (WoW, Call of Duty), EA (Battlefield 2042, FIFA 22), and Microsoft (Halo). The MMORPG New World developed by Amazon has announced the halt of development for a Russian version.
This was the demand from Ukraine: On March 2, Ukrainian Minister for Digital Transformation Myhailo Fedorov published an open letter to “Xbox” and “PlayStation,” urging all gaming developers and esports platforms to temporarily block Russian and Belarusian accounts. He also called for the cancellation of all events in Russia and Belarus (via twitter).
There is confidence that such actions could encourage citizens of Russia to cease their “shameful military aggression.” It was stated that modern technology in 2022 might be the best response to tanks and rocket attacks.
Microsoft helps Ukraine in the cyber war against Russian attacks
This is what Microsoft says: Microsoft released a statement against the Russian invasion of Ukraine in a blog post. President Brad Smith writes:
Like the rest of the world, we are shocked, saddened, and angry about the images and news coming from the war in Ukraine. We condemn the illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified invasion by Russia.
Brad Smith
Microsoft will:
- stop sales and services in Russia and align with the sanctions of the USA, UK, and EU
- support cybersecurity systems in Ukraine. More than 20 measures have already been initiated to protect the IT of the Ukrainian government and the financial sector from “destructive and disruptive” actions.
Microsoft states: The worst malware attacks since 2017 are occurring. Particularly alarming are the attacks against digital civilian services in the field of humanitarian aid and in the energy sector. There are great concerns about potential violations of the Geneva Convention.
This is what EA says:
In a statement, Electronic Arts announces (via ea.com):
Our games and our content will no longer be available in the Russian storefront at Origin or the EA App; this includes in-game shops. We are working with our platform partners to remove our titles from their stores and stop the sale of new in-game content in the region.
EA
Previously, EA had announced that it would remove Russian teams from current FIFA and NHL series games.
EA further states that it is shocked by the conflict unfolding in Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. It is especially concerned for the partners and colleagues in the region and is striving to understand how to help the people in Ukraine even more, beyond the existing programs.
In November 2021, EA removed a reference to the annexation of Crimea from Battlefield 2042.
– Ukraine Live Blog (via Zeit)
– War in Ukraine (via nzz)
– Solidarity with Ukraine (via auswärtiges-amt)
Important Note: If you are troubled by dark thoughts due to the current situation: You are not alone. Please seek help. For example, through the telephone counseling service at 0800/111 0 111 or the online counseling service, where you can also use a chat feature. This is free and applies nationwide.
Epic Games stops sales but wants to keep communication channels open
This is what Epic Games says: Via Twitter, Fortnite developer and tech company Epic Games states:
Epic stops business with Russia in our games as a response to the invasion of Ukraine. We will not stop access for the same reasons other communication tools remain online: The free world should keep all lines of dialogue open.
Epic Games
Activision Blizzard boosts employee donations to Ukraine
This is what Activision Blizzard says: Daniel Alegre releases a statement that he has also shared with the team.
Over the week, we have seen the news from Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis that is worsening there. Our company is committed to helping those affected by the terrible violence and providing any help possible.
Daniel Alegre, President and COO Activision Blizzard
Blizzard announces:
- suspend sales of new games in Russia as long as the conflict continues.
- prioritize the safety of employees and their families
- boost employee donations at a 2:1 ratio. The cap for such boosted donations rises from $1,000 to $10,000 – already $300,000 has been donated this way.
Additionally, the “incredible efforts” of colleagues in Poland are applauded, as they have already helped many Ukrainian refugees and others in need.
In the past, Activision Blizzard had regarded the legal situation in Russia and did not bring certain content in its games to Russia.
This is what New World says: From the Vice President of Amazon Games, it is said that plans had been made to pursue a Russian localization of New World, but those plans have now been halted.
Just a few days ago, numerous other studios and gaming companies announced they were limiting their business activities in Russia, including Bungie (Destiny 2) and CD Projekt Red (Cyberpunk 2077, GOG.com).
The Belarusian studio Wargaming has also made its position clear regarding the war in Ukraine:
Studio behind World of Tanks fires Creative Director after he supported the Ukraine war
