Microsoft, Epic, EA and Sony are just a few of the gaming big names that are pulling out of Russia in protest against the country’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine.
The decisions came after Ukraine deputy prime minister Mykhailo Fedorov tagged Xbox and PlayStation in a tweet, asking them to suspend game sales in Russia. By preventing sales in Russia, the game industry hopes to put pressure on the Russian government.
The Game Industry Unites In Support of Ukraine
The gaming industry at large is doing its part to support Ukraine. John Romero has created a new Doom 2 map to raise money for Ukraine. 11-bit studios, the developer behind This War of Mine, is donating all proceeds from the anti-war title to support Ukrainian citizens. Likewise, the developer behind the Witcher games, CD Projekt Red is donating 1 million PLN to a Polish humanitarian group. Ukrainian game developers have also reached out to fans, asking them to spread the message that the attack on Ukraine must be stopped.
Microsoft, Epic and Sony Stand With Ukraine
Microsoft, a current leader in the metaverse, is suspending the sale of its products and services in Russia. The tech giant plans to halt more of its business with Russia soon. Additionally, Microsoft is providing Ukraine with cybersecurity to defend over 20 Ukrainian government, financial and IT organizations.
“We believe we are most effective in aiding Ukraine when we take concrete steps in coordination with the decisions being made by these governments and we will take additional steps as this situation continues to evolve.” Said Brad Smith, president and vice-chair at Microsoft.
And, as of March 5th, Epic has stopped sales in Russia but chose to restrict access entirely in an attempt to leave avenues for communication open.
“We’re not blocking access for the same reason other communication tools remain online: the free world should keep all lines of dialogue open,” Epic said in a recent statement.
Sony chose not to release Gran Turismo 7 in the Russian PlayStation Store. Sony made the decision to keep GT7 from reaching Russia the night before the game’s release; however, a formal announcement has yet to be made. Sony also plans to delay upcoming movie releases in Russia.
Finally, EA is in the process of pulling Russian national teams and clubs from their legendary sports games. Full official tweet here.
A statement from EA SPORTS FIFA: pic.twitter.com/v3pZvpblgS
— EA SPORTS FIFA (@EASPORTSFIFA) March 2, 2022
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
