Epic and Activision Blizzard halt game sales in Russia

Epic and Activision Blizzard are making a critical move for Russia. The two gaming giants will stop selling to users in Russia.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is being sanctioned by gaming companies. We previously learned that EA Games and CD Projekt Red will stop selling in Russia. A similar move came from Epic Games and Activision Blizzard.

Activision Blizzard and Epic Games have announced that they will cancel selling all games on their platforms to players in Russia. This step means that players in Russia are prevented from performing transactions such as purchases through games or in-app through platforms.

Epic and Activision Blizzard stop selling games for Russia

Boycotts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are also resonating in the gaming industry. In line with the latest decisions announced, Activision Blizzard and Epic Games have joined the list of companies that have cancelled their Russian operations.

In a written statement from Activision Blizzard Chairman Daniel Alegre, the company did not specify whether the ban covers both digital and physical games. But Activision Blizzard said the company and its employees are more focused on contributing to helping Ukraine. Alegre said in a statement:

He said: “We are doing everything we can to help the staff and their families directly affected by this tragedy. If you or a colleague need support, feel free to contact your manager or local human resources leader. I would also like to remind you that we have an Employee Support Program for those who need emotional support during this difficult time.”

Microsoft, which announced plans to buy Activision Blizzard in January, also moved to ban the sale of its products and services. Not just Xbox games in Russia and Belarus; it also stopped selling the package, which included products associated with Windows, Office, Microsoft 365, and more. Activision Blizzard, however, has not suspended sales to Russia’s economic partner Belarus for now.

Epic Games’ statement on stopping sales in Russia noted that instead of blocking access, only the sale of games would be stopped.

In addition, EA Games has previously removed Russian teams from FIFA and NHL games and halted all sales in Russia/Belarus. Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt Red has taken similar steps to prevent physical and digital sales to customers in both countries.