Bloober Team, creators of Layers of Fear or The Mediumhave announced that they will withdraw all their games in Russia and Belarus in rejection of the invasion of Ukraine. The Russian invasion of Ukraine it is having worldwide consequences both in the political, economic, sports or cultural panorama, and even the video game industry has been affected by this armed conflict. Either directly because of the war, like GSC Game World, of Ukrainian origin, who have had to postpone the development of STALKER 2 to ensure the well-being of their workers and their families, or as signs of rejection of the invasion by foreign studies.
“As the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, killing defenders and civilians alike, we at Bloober Team have decided stop selling our titles in Russia and Belarus on all platforms“, assures the Polish study through a thread on its Twitter account. «Our hearts go out to the Ukrainian people and this is one of several steps we are currently taking to support them,” they comment in another tweet.
Steam will be the first platform to stop offering Bloober Team games, confirms the Polish studio. “We understand that our decision could affect many Russian and Belarusian players who are not involved in this invasion, but we firmly believe that every step that can help stop the war is worth taking, ”explains the study. “This includes showing full solidarity with the Ukrainian people in both words and actions, as well as exert pressure on Russian and Belarusian public opinion».
“We believe that a joint global resistance can help make a difference. We want to be part of a world that does not turn a blind eye to warmongering. And we will not remain neutral when human lives are at stake.”
Another Polish study which has also recently positioned itself against this invasion and in favor of the Ukrainian people has been 11 Bit Studios, creators of the acclaimed anti-war game This War of Mine. Last week they announced a solidarity campaign to help the victims of the war in which they will donate the next income from This War of Mine.
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While large technology companies have already planted themselves in condemn the invasion and withdraw its products from Russialike Apple, the Ukrainian government asks Xbox and PlayStation to withdraw their support for the Russian market as leaders of the games industry that lead the way forward.