Daniel Allegri, president of the game company, announced that Activision Blizzard will suspend sales of new “in and out” of its games in Russia. Common message to employees (At the other side of eurogamer). The measure prevents Russians from making new transactions with the company, which includes both sales and purchases within the game.
The press release did not specify whether the ban includes both numbers. And the physical games However, it highlights some of the contributions that the company and its employees have made to Ukraine and also provides resources for workers affected by the war. The crisis in Ukraine comes at a delicate moment in the history of Activision Blizzard – The Company still facing criticism After being sued for Claimed to promote a toxic work culture last year.
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“We are doing everything we can to help the staff and their families, who have been directly affected by this tragedy,” Allegri says in the letter. “If you or a colleague needs support, don’t hesitate to reach out to your manager or local HR leaders. I would also like to remind you that our Employee Assistance Program is available to those who need emotional support during this difficult time.”
Activision Blizzard joins a growing list of game companies that have stopped doing business in Russia. microsoft that Announced plans to buy Activision Blizzard in January, It moved to ban “new” sales of its products and services. In Russia and Belarus, a block that includes not only Xbox games, but also products associated with Windows, Office, Microsoft 365 and more.
at the same time, EA Games eliminated the Russian teams From FIFA and NHL games, and beyond Cut off all sales to Russia and Belarus. cyberpunk 2077 movie developer CD Projekt Red has also taken similar steps In the prevention of physical and digital sales to customers in both countries. Activision Blizzard did not particularly block sales to Belarus, Russia’s economic partner. the edge I contacted Activision Blizzard with a request for comment, but they did not immediately respond.
Epic has stopped trading with Russia in our games in response to their invasion of Ukraine. We don’t block access for the same reason other communication tools are online: the free world must keep all lines of dialogue open.
– Epic Games Press Room (@EpicNewsroom) March 5, 2022
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Shortly after Activision Blizzard’s announcement, Epic Games stated that it was “discontinuing trade with Russia” in its games and indicated that it would not block access for Russian players. It is not clear if the file it is an electronic game The developer trading ban applies to microtransactions, games, or both.
Earlier this week, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Mikhailo Federov Called Xbox and PlayStation To “temporarily ban” Russian and Belarusian accounts and stop their participation in esports events. The later asked Several developers, including Epic Games, Nintendo, Rockstar, and Tencent, have discontinued their games in Russia.
Update March 5 at 5:53 pm ET: Updated to add that Epic Games also banned sales in Russia.
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