More and more gaming publishers are exercising sanctions against Russia because of the war in Ukraine. Now EA and Activision Blizzard have also reacted.
After EA recently removed all Russian teams and players from FIFA 22 and other games because of the war in Ukraine, the publisher now takes further measures against Russia.
As EA announced on Twitter, the sale of all of the company’s games will be blocked in Russia and also in Belarus. “We have made the decision to stop the sale of our games and content, including virtual currency packages, in Russia and Belarus while this conflict continues,” the statement reads. This affects sports sims such as FIFA 22 as well as the in-house shooter Apex Legends.
– Electronic Arts (@EA) March 5, 2022
EA also wants to take further steps and block the games on more gaming platforms for the region.
Activision Blizzard also reacts
In addition to the FIFA publisher, Activision Blizzard will also stop selling in Russia. Games such as Call of Duty: Vanguard, Overwatch or World of Warcraft will no longer be available to Russian users. Microtransactions within the games will also no longer be available.
“We are committed to helping those affected by the terrible violence in Ukraine,” the publisher said.
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
The company also expressed its enthusiasm for the support of its own employees for Ukraine and stated that it would match these donations. Around 300,000 dollars are said to have been raised already.
