CD Projekt Red and it’s subsidiary online platform GOG (previously Great Old Games), Electronic Arts, and Microsoft have all stopped selling and distributing games in Russia and Belarus.
Businesses have backed international economic sanctions in response to Russia’s unexpected and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov notably included the gaming industry in his appeal to businesses to condemn Russia’s violent and unprovoked aggression on Ukraine. Fedorov asked gaming businesses to halt operations in Russian territory, including sales and accounts, for the time being.
What has been the reaction of some of the most powerful gaming corporations and AAA-game publishers to Ukraine’s appeal? Continue reading to learn more.
Electronic Arts
EA Games, another big game company, has stated its opposition to the Russian invasion.
In a statement posted on the Electronic Arts website, the business expresses its sorrow at the bloodshed and its support for Ukraine’s solidarity. Furthermore, EA Games has halted all new content and sales in Russia and Belarus:
We have made the decision to stop sales of our games and content, including virtual currency bundles, in Russia and Belarus while this conflict continues. As a result, our games and content will no longer be available for purchase in our Russian region storefront on Origin or the EA app, including through in-game stores. We are also working with our platform partners to remove our titles from their stores and stop the sale of new in-game content in the region.
Electronic Arts’ statement goes on to say that it will be making improvements to popular sports games like FIFA and NHL games. Russian teams will be withdrawn from the rosters of these sports games, and they will look for other titles and opportunities to do so.
Microsoft Xbox
Ukraine Prime Minister Myhailo Fedorov particularly mentions Xbox in his aforementioned appeal:
You are definitely aware of what is happening in Ukraine right now. Russia declare war not for Ukraine but for all civilized world. If you support human values, you should live the Russian market! pic.twitter.com/tnQr13BsSv
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) March 2, 2022
Microsoft and Xbox have banned sales of their products and services in Russia in response to this demand, which might have the broadest ramifications yet for a gaming firm to show its support for Ukraine and condemnation of the Russian invasion.