Electronic Arts stops sales of games and virtual currency in Russia

Electronic Arts joined the ranks of those companies which will temporarily cease business with Russia in response to its invasion Ukraine. The publisher said that EA would no longer be selling content or games in Russia and Belarus during the ongoing conflict.

“We have made the decision to stop sales of our games and content, including virtual currency bundles, in Russia and Belarus while this conflict continues,” EA said in a statement. “As a result, our games and content will no longer be available for purchase in our Russian region storefront on Origin or the EA app, including through in-game stores. We are also working with our platform partners to remove our titles from their stores and stop the sale of new in-game content in the region.”

EA did not take this as a first move in the recent weeks regarding Russia. Also, EA removed Russian players from its video sports games. FIFA 22And NHL 22.

Electronic Arts claims that it’s still trying to figure out how the best way to assist this region, and in particular its former colleagues and partners.

On Wednesday, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister Mykhailo Fedorov urged gaming companies like Microsoft and PlayStation to pull out of the Russian market and to support the people of Ukraine. EA is not the only company that will stop selling Russian games. Bloober Team and CD Projekt Group are also among those who have made this announcement.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in late February when Russia launched an unprovoked attack on the country. The fighting has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties and almost a million refugees from the country. Many countries have placed sanctions on Russia following the attack. Additional sanctions have been imposed on Russia by many countries, including BP, Shell and Apple. Paramount Entertainment has also been forced to halt operations.