Activision Blizzard and Epic Games stop selling games in Russia

by Tarcil Tarcil

Leading game companies Activision Blizzard and Epic Games have announced that they have stopped selling games in Russia following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Activision Blizzard also revealed that it is providing assistance to Ukraine.

Supporting the Ukrainian People
https://activisionblizzard.com/newsroom/2022/03/supporting-the-ukrainian-people

Activision Blizzard suspends new sales 'of and in' its games in Russia • Eurogamer.net
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-03-05-activision-blizzard-suspends-new-sales-of-and-in-it-games-in-russia

Epic Games suspends sales in Russia but keeps communication tools online • Eurogamer.net
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-03-06-epic-games-suspends-sales-in-russia-but-keeps-communication-tools-online

On March 4, 2022, Activision Blizzard representative Daniel Alegre issued a statement stating that the company will stop selling new games in Russia. 'Since last week, we've seen news from Ukraine and an exacerbating humanitarian crisis. We promise to help those affected by this horrific violence in every possible way. I will do it. '

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

Inside Activision Blizzard, a ' matching gift ' is being held in which companies make donations by adding a certain amount to donations from employees, and it is said that they have already raised more than 300,000 dollars (about 34 million yen). matter. In addition, we encouraged employees who need mental support to use the support program, and emphasized that they are strengthening support both inside and outside the company.

Epic Games also announced on March 6 that it has stopped trading games in Russia, also because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

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

Both Activision Blizzard and Epic Games have only stopped selling games and are not blocking access to the games. In this regard, Epic Games said, 'We are not blocking access for the same reasons that other communication tools are available. In a free world, all means of dialogue need to remain open. There is. '

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Fedorov is calling on all gaming companies and esports platforms to take steps such as suspending all accounts in Russia and Belarus and suspending teams from both countries from participating in international esports events. In light of these demands, gaming companies such as Microsoft, EA and CD Projekt Red have announced that they have stopped selling content in Russia and Belarus.

Microsoft / EA / CD Projekt Red Stops Product Sales and Service Offering in Russia-GIGAZINE