Activision Blizzard and Epic Games halt sales of games in Russia

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

In a letter to employees, the president of the company said that they were suspending new sales of games in Russia. The company bars Russians from new transactions, which include the sales of its games and in-game purchases.

The press release doesn't say whether the ban includes both digital and physical games. Some of the contributions the company and its employees made to Ukraine are highlighted in the report. The company continues to face criticism after it was sued for allegedly fostering a toxic workplace culture last year.

Alegre says in the letter that they are doing everything they can to assist employees and their families. The Employee Assistance Program is available to those who need emotional support during this difficult time.

A growing number of game companies have stopped doing business in Russia. Microsoft has moved to ban the sale of its products and services in Russia and Belarus because of its plans to purchase the company.

Russian teams were removed from the games of the NHL and FIFA by the company. CD Projekt Red has taken similar steps in barring physical and digital sales in both countries. The economic partner of Russia has not been blocked by the company. The Verge reached out to the company but didn't hear back.

Epic is stopping commerce with Russia in our games in response to its invasion of Ukraine. We’re not blocking access for the same reason other communication tools remain online: the free world should keep all lines of dialogue open.

— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) March 5, 2022

Shortly after the announcement, the company stated that it wouldn't ban Russian players from accessing its games. It's not clear if the ban on commerce applies to microtransactions, games or both.

Russian vice prime minister Mykhailo Federov called for the blocking of Xbox and PS3 accounts and the halt of their participation in esport events. He asked a number of developers to stop their games in Russia.

The sales in Russia have been banned by Epic Games.