Microsoft, EA, Epic and Activision Blizzard stop selling in Russia

Four of the world’s largest gaming developers have halted sales in Russia: Epic Games (Fortnite), Activision Blizzard (WoW, Call of Duty), EA (Battlefield 2042, FIFA 22) and Microsoft (Halo). Amazon-developed MMORPG New World announces it will stop development of a Russian version.

That was Ukraine’s demand: On March 2, the Ukrainian Minister for Digital Transformation, Myhailo Fedorov, published an open letter to “Xbox” and “PlayStation” and called on all gaming developers and e-sports platforms to be Russian and Belarusian Temporarily block accounts. He also called for all events in Russia and Belarus to be canceled (via twitter).

We are sure that such actions could persuade the citizens of Russia to abandon the “shameful military aggression”. It was said that 2022 modern technology might be the best answer to tanks and missile attacks.

Microsoft is helping Ukraine in the cyber war against Russian attacks
This is what Microsoft says: In a blog post, Microsoft issued a statement against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. President Brad Smith writes:

Like the rest of the world, we are shocked, saddened and upset by the images and news coming out about the war in Ukraine. We condemn the illegal, unprovoked and unjustified invasion by Russia.

BradSmith

halt sales and services in Russia, combining with US, UK and EU sanctions support the cybersecurity systems of Ukraine. More than 20 measures have already been taken to protect the IT of the Ukrainian government and the financial sector from “destructive and disruptive” measures.

Microsoft says: These are the worst malware attacks since 2017. The attacks against digital civil services in the areas of humanitarian aid and in the energy sector are particularly frightening. They aroused great concern as to whether the Geneva Convention would be violated.

Electronic Arts announced in a statement (via ea.com):

Our games and content will no longer be available in the Russian storefront on Origin or the EA app, including in-game stores. We are working with our platform partners to remove our titles from their stores and halt the sale of new in-game content in the region.

EA

EA had previously announced that it would remove Russian teams from current games in the FIFA and NHL series.

EA also says it is shocked by the conflict unfolding in Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Above all, they are concerned about their partners and colleagues in the region and are trying to understand how to help the people of Ukraine even more, beyond the programs that are already running.

In November 2021, EA removed a reference to the occupation of Crimea from Battlefield 2042.

Our expertise on MeinMMO relates to gaming. If you want to find out more about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we recommend that you get information from official websites or news magazines:

– Ukraine Live Blog (via Time)
– War in Ukraine (via nzz)
– Solidarity with Ukraine (via Foreign Office)

Important note: If you are plagued by dark thoughts about the current situation: you are not alone. Please get help. For example, with the telephone pastoral care on 0800/111 0 111 or the online pastoral care, where you can also use a chat. It’s free and applies nationwide.

Epic Games stops sales, wants to keep communication channel open

This is what Epic Games says: The Fortnite developer and tech group Epic Games announced via Twitter:

Epic stops doing business with Russia in our games in response to the invasion of Ukraine. We will not stop access for the same reasons other communication tools stay online: The free world should keep all lines of dialogue open.

EpicGames

Activision Blizzard matches employee donations to Ukraine
That’s what Activision Blizzard says: Daniel Alegre publishes a statement that he also shared with the team.

Over the week we’ve seen the news from Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis that’s unfolding there. Our company is committed to helping those affected by the horrific violence and providing any assistance that is possible.

Daniel Alegre, President and COO of Activision Blizzard

Blizzard announces:

to suspend the sale of new games in Russia while the conflict is ongoing.
to give the highest priority to the safety of employees and their families
Match employee donations 2:1. The limit for such top-up donations is increased from $1,000 to $10,000 – they have already donated $300,000 this way.
They also applaud the “incomprehensible efforts” of colleagues in Poland, who would have helped many Ukrainian refugees and others who are in need.

In the past, Activision Blizzard respected the legal situation in Russia and did not bring certain content in its games to Russia.

This is what New World says: The Vice President of Amazon Games says they had plans to go for a Russian localization of New World, but have now stopped those plans.

A few days ago, numerous other studios and gaming companies announced that they would restrict their business activities in Russia, including Bungie (Destiny 2) and CD Projekt Red (Cýberpunk 2077, GOG.com).

The Belarusian studio Wargaming has also taken a clear stance on the war in Ukraine: