The war in Ukraine, a conflict with multiple consequences, continues to affect the world of video games. When we know that the Ukrainian studio GSC Game World has found refuge in the Czech Republic to complete the development of STALKER 2, it is the turn of the Wargaming.net studio to make a radical decision to say the least. In a press release, the company announces that it will leave its own countries, Russia and Belarus, as soon as possible. A decision full of meaning and consequences, as the company assures that there will no longer be a subsidiary in these affected countries that is so remotely linked to Wargaming. It is even stated that the management of all their games has been entrusted to Lesta Studio, based in Saint Petersburg, but which is no longer part of Wargaming.
Over the past few weeks, Wargaming has been conducting a strategic review of operations around the world. The company has decided that it will not own or operate any businesses in Russia and Belarus.
Effective March 31, the company transferred its live gaming operations in Russia and Belarus to the local management of Lesta Studio, which is no longer affiliated with Wargaming. The company will not benefit from this process now or in the future. On the contrary, we expect significant losses as a direct result of this decision.
We will complete the operational transition as quickly as required while fully complying with all laws and ensuring the continued safety and support of our employees. During the transition period, Live products will remain available in Russia and Belarus and will be operated by the new owner.
Wargaming has also started closing its Minsk studio. It will take place in strict compliance with the law. The product and service managers will be meeting with their teams shortly to discuss the impact of this decision on each department.
We will provide as much severance and support as possible to employees affected by the change.
Wargaming is mainly known for its World of Tanks license, but also for its World of Warships and World of Warplanes versions. Wargaming is a company founded in Minsk in 1998 and employs no less than 5,500 people around the world. Despite its Russian origins, the publisher condemns the acts committed by Putin and his army and did not hesitate to fire World of Tanks creative director Sergey Burkatovskiy on the spot, who had publicly shown his support for Russia and his actions. In the process, in addition to deleting the Facebook post, a sanction was imposed, stating that “Sergey’s opinion is completely at odds with the company’s position. He is no longer an employee of Wargaming.” With this departure from the country of origin, Wargaming obviously condemns this whole war in Ukraine.
