Games developers in the Ukraine have taken to social media to publicly broadcast their defiance to the ongoing Russian invasion and to reach out to fans of their games for support in spreading the message that the invasion of the Ukraine must not be tolerated and that the country won’t be taken without a fight.
Vostok Games are also based in Kyiv and is best known for its battle royale title, Fear the Wolves, and F2P shooter, Survivarium, both of which are available on Steam. They recently began work on an as yet unannounced third-person shooter based on a well-known IP. They’re spreading the word of how foreigners can help the Ukraine here.
Ukraine needs help from the global community. Please help spread awareness. Appeal to your government officials, donate to help our military, a retweet. Any action you take helps! #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/o4CHQWjTKI
— Vostok Games (@VostokGames) February 28, 2022
Dear friends,
Below is a link to the site with all the useful links with ways for you to help Ukraine directly. Please, spread it far and wide. #StandWithUkrainehttps://t.co/lWuqcCDwIw
— Vostok Games (@VostokGames) February 28, 2022
Frogwares is a Ukrainian studio which is based in capital in Kyiv, and is best known for the Sinking City and the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes series, a series which has sold over seven million copies. Frogwares’ many tiltes are available on Steam.
Taking to Twitter the team wrote:
We’re a peaceful nation, and in all the years since we gained our independence, we’ve never attacked or threatened anyone.
Because of this situation, our work will be impacted and our lives can be destroyed.
— Frogwares (@Frogwares) February 24, 2022
We’re a peaceful nation, and in all the years since we gained our independence, we’ve never attacked or threatened anyone.
Because of this situation, our work will be impacted and our lives can be destroyed.
— Frogwares (@Frogwares) February 24, 2022
And as the battle rumbles on the team remain as strong and resolute as ever.
Day 4 of the invasion. Team members are holding throughout Ukraine. Morale is good and we could get in touch with everyone.
We see the support of the world and we hope for more support for our country. We’re fighting for peace.
Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦
— Frogwares (@Frogwares) February 27, 2022
Day 5 of the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Our people in Kharkiv are under pressure. It’s somewhat calm in Kyiv – we can buy some food today. The morale is good.
Our armed forces keep us safe.
Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦— Frogwares (@Frogwares) February 28, 2022
Also on Twitter a group of e-sports organisations, including G2 Esports, Ninjas in Pyjamas and Astralis have all changed their profile pictures to the distinctive blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag.
Sending all of our love to those affected by today’s events ♥️
We stand for peace. pic.twitter.com/XBqMMa1bLF
— G2 Esports (@G2esports) February 24, 2022
Ukrainian studio, Sengi Games, is the developer of the upcoming The Serpent Rogue, an alchemy-fuelled action adventure game set in a medieval fantasy world, set to be published by Team 17. The Serpent Rogue can be wishlisted on Steam, where you can also download a demo.
Dear friends, as some of you may know, we are based in Ukraine, today our country was attacked by Russia. They declared a War and currently attacking our citizens.
We will not able to answer or help you that much with the game atm.
Love and peace for you all!
— The Serpent Rogue (@TheSerpentRogue) February 24, 2022
We are grateful, and touched by your support so much! Running through all your replies was a truly inspiring experience!
We will keep defending and protecting our land, and after we will win – make some extra cool content in the game as a thankful gift!
Peace! ❤️
— The Serpent Rogue (@TheSerpentRogue) February 27, 2022
Alex Nichiporchik of tinyBuild who publish Lviv-based developer Hologryph, creators of the Hello Neighbor multiplayer expansion, Secret Neighbor. Wrote of his desire and ongoing work to ensure his Ukrainian studio colleagues remain safe, promising that “Nobody gets left behind.”
Weeks ago we ran through possible scenarios in Ukraine that could impact the well being of @tinyBuild team members and partners.
We accelerated relocation procedures, offered support for moving to the Western part of the country, and prepared for different scenarios.
— Alex Nichiporchik (@aNichiporchik) February 24, 2022
We have a team of strong leads coordinating efforts of getting people to safety. Logistics, finance, housing.
The best thing to do is keep a cool head, think pragmatic, and anticipate the situation.
Nobody gets left behind.
— Alex Nichiporchik (@aNichiporchik) February 24, 2022
Gameloft‘s Ukraine studios – Kharkiv, founded in 2007, and Lviv, 2014 – specialise in casual games and live games evolution and production and QA, respectively. They have been responsible for some of Gameloft’s most noteworthy franchises including Asphalt Extreme and Order and Chaos.
— Gameloft (@gameloft) February 24, 2022
4A Games was founded in Kviv in 2006. Now based in Malta and Ukraine, 4A is the developer of multiple entries in the renowned FPS franchise, Metro, available on Steam. They’re message of strength and support reads as follows.
— 4A Games (@4AGames) February 25, 2022
Meanwhile, 11 bit studios, based in Poland, has announced that all profits from its hit title This War of Mine, across all stores and platforms, over the next six days will be donated to the Ukrainian Red Cross. Their message reads:
11 bit studios team statement:#FuckTheWar#Ukraine @RedCrossUkraine @Ukraine pic.twitter.com/bVqBlZnR8j
— 11 bit studios (@11bitstudios) February 24, 2022
The European Games Developer Federation has explicitly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and calls for greater international support for Ukraine and its game developer community.
Today has been a dark day for the entire Europe.
EGDF condemns the Putin regime’s war against Ukraine and calls for international support for Ukraine, its people and the Ukrainian game developer community.
Full press release here: https://t.co/Z3U8G9cnWA pic.twitter.com/aQVskB03pn
— EGDF team (@EgdfTeam) February 24, 2022
Likewise the attack has been condemned by the Slovakian Game Developers Association.
Slovak Game Developers Association ostro odsudzuje útok ozbrojených síl Ruskej Federácie na území nezávislého a zvrchovaného štátu Ukrajiny. Vyzývame na čo najväčšiu možnú podporu vývojárov, vládu SR a ďalších krajín, občanov EU a zvyšku slobodného sveta.https://t.co/UqscAMjcnG
— Slovak Game Developers Association (@svkgda) February 26, 2022
If you want to play your part you can donate directly to the Ukrainian Red Cross through the following links:
Daniel Griffiths is a veteran journalist who has worked on some of the world's biggest entertainment, home and tech media brands. He's reviewed all the greats, interviewed countless big names, and reported on thousands of releases in the fields of video games, music, movies, tech, gadgets, home improvement, self build, interiors, garden design and more. He’s the ex-Editor of PSM3, GamesMaster, Future Music and ex-Group Editor-in-Chief of Electronic Musician, Guitarist, Guitar World, Computer Music and more. He renovates property and writes fun things for great websites.
