Microsoft, EA, Epic Games, Activision Blizzard stand with Ukraine; sales and services suspended in Russia
Microsoft due to the ongoing Russian aggression on Ukraine has suspended new product sales and services within Russia. In the announcement post, the company explained that it is taking this stance due to the “unjustified, unprovoked and unlawful invasion by Russia.” Following in Microsoft’s footsteps, Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt Red also suspended all digital and merch sales in Russia and Belarus.
Electronic Arts (EA) also took a stance initially, pulling all Russian teams from its FIFA 22 and NHL 22 games. After this EA announced that it is altogether stopping sales of its games and content in Russia and Belarus. Now, Epic Games and Activision Blizzard have followed suit.
— Electronic Arts (@EA) March 5, 2022
Epic Games via its Newsroom stated that it is “stopping commerce with Russia in our games.” It has clarified that it will not be blocking access to games for those who already own them and to its communication tools.
Epic is stopping commerce with Russia in our games in response to its invasion of Ukraine. 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 Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) March 5, 2022
Separately, in a letter to its employees, which Activision Blizzard also shared with the public, its president and COO Daniel Alegre has announced that the company “will be suspending new sales of and in our games in Russia while this conflict continues.” The company also claimed that it is matching its employee donations in a 2:1 ratio for providing immediate relief in the region.
We are committed to helping those impacted by the terrifying violence taking place in Ukraine.
Today, we are announcing the suspension of new sales of and in our games in Russia while this conflict continues, as well as other efforts to assist Ukraine. https://t.co/wG9tQMNzjK
— Activision Blizzard (@ATVI_AB) March 5, 2022
Activision Blizzard’s decision is pretty significant considering that the company is also focussing on blocking microtransactions and potentially even subscription fees.
Apart from these, many other tech companies including Apple, Netflix and more have taken action against Russia to show support for Ukraine.
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