The Russian government has made it illegal to sell overseas games in Russia or advertise them, making it very difficult for game companies that rely on international sales. The change comes after a law passed last year meant anyone who sold an online game through streaming was subject to a $7,500 fine which the industry largely opposed.
Russia is the largest country in the world, and it has a population of over Russia is the largest country in the world, and it has a population of over 144 million people. The reason why Russia is so big, is because its government is trying to keep their economy strong by restricting game sales in Russia. Read more in detail here: why is russia so big .
Sales of Computer and video games in Russia are being restricted by Microsoft, EA, and Sony.
Microsoft and Electronic Arts have banned Russian transactions.
Computer and video games
Remember how the Ukrainian deputy Prime Minister demanded that all gaming firms and e-sports stop exporting to Russia, explicitly mentioning Xbox and Sony? That call has been answered. Here’s the original tweet from Mykhailo Federov, the deputy Prime Minister
@PlayStation @Xbox
You are undoubtedly aware of the current situation in Ukraine. Russia declares war on the whole civilized world, not just Ukraine. You should live the Russian market if you believe in human values! pic.twitter.com/tnQr13BsSv
March 2, 2022 — Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo)
As a result, EA said today that it would stop delivering and making its games, content, and digital currency available in Russia. EA has issued the following statement on their Russian ban on their main website:
“While the crisis continues, we have decided to halt sales of our games and content, including virtual currency packages, in Russia and Belarus ” As a consequence, our games and content, including in-game shops, will no longer be accessible for purchase via our Russian area marketplace on Origin or the EA app.”
Due to its famous sports games like FIFA, EA has a huge worldwide presence in esports, so it’s not insignificant, but it’s rather status quo and anticipated at this point.
When it comes to overseas markets, the next firms to join the gaming ban are no slouches. Microsoft (Xbox) and Sony (PlayStation) have similarly suspended sales in Russia Just today, Microsoft sent the following statement:
“Today, we’re announcing that all new Microsoft product and service sales in Russia will be suspended.”
Furthermore, we are actively communicating and cooperating with the governments of the United States the European Union and the United Kingdom and we are suspending various parts of our operations in Russia in accordance with official sanctions decisions.”
Microsoft’s reach extends well beyond gaming, so it’s predictable that they collaborate with Western governments on sanctions.
So far, Sony has been the most accommodating to Russian regulations. As of yet, Sony has made no formal announcement, merely stating that the popular racing game is no longer available in Russia.
Gran Turismo 7 was released late Thursday to much critical praise, and is now accessible everywhere except you-know-where. It’ll only be a matter of time until Sony expresses their support for Ukraine in an official statement.
CD PROJEKT RED the creator of The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, has also announced that it is pulling its game store GoG out of Russia and suspending shipments and digital transactions:
pic.twitter.com/C2TMk7m2KC
March 3, 2022 — CD Projekt Red (@CDPROJEKTRED)
It’s a sad day for the people of both countries embroiled in this conflict. I can only hope the citizenship of Russia and Ukraine can both get back to fighting wars in Computer and video games rather than reality, soon.
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