Wargaming, the company behind World of Tanks, announces its decision to leave Russia and Belarus. A choice that has no consequences for the thousands of employees.
For its invasion of Ukraine, Russia is subject to more or less heavy economic sanctions. The action that is most widespread is the total shutdown or suspension of the activities of multinationals. In the video game sector, publishers and manufacturers have temporarily suspended their business. The Wargaming company has in turn taken a heavy decision.
Wargaming distances itself
Known for World of Tanks, World of Warships, or World of Warplanes, Wargaming announces the end of its presence in Russia and Belarus and the transfer of its activities to Lesta Studio which is otherwise no longer affiliated with the company.
Effective March 31, the company transferred its online gaming operations in Russia and Belarus to the local management of Lesta Studio, which is no longer affiliated with Wargaming.
Wargaming was founded in Minsk in 1998 and has more than 20 offices around the world (Europe, Asia, USA). This head office was however moved to Cyprus in 2011. The firm expects substantial losses but will not neglect its employees.
The company will not profit from this process, neither today nor tomorrow. On the contrary, we expect to suffer significant losses because of this decision. We will provide as much severance and assistance as possible to our employees affected by this change.
Support for Ukraine
In February, Wargaming sided with Ukraine by firing creative director Sergey Burkatovskiy. The man had publicly shown his support for Russia in its invasion. The house of World of Tanks had also dissociated itself from the words of Sergey Burkatovskiy:
Sergey Burkatovskiy expressed his personal opinion on social networks, which does not reflect the position of society. He was fired and is no longer with the company.
