Atomic Heart composer donates fee from developer Mundfish to Ukraine fund

Videogame composer Mick Gordon has saidHe has given his music to the game for free Atomic Heart to the Red Cross’ Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

Atomic HeartMundfish created. The studio was originally based in Moscow but has recently relocated its headquarters to Cyprus. Mundfish has attracted controversy for its refusal to comment directly on Russia’s war in Ukraine, for the heavy use of Soviet imagery in the game.

Gordon, who is Australian, tweeted that his donation was made to “stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.” In a statement, the Doom and Doom Eternal composer describes himself as “horrified” by the “immense suffering” caused by Russia’s invasion. “This invasion was not a decision of the Russian people but rather an authoritarian regime that disregards human rights and dignity,” he said. He said he chose the Red Cross as a “pro-peace organization” that will “provide practical support for those whose lives have been impacted by the war.”

Gordon only had praise for Mundfish in his statement, saying he’d been drawn to the project by its “unique aesthetic,” combined with his “musician’s love for Soviet-era synthesizers.”

“Working with Mundfish is an absolute delight, as they prioritise imagination and artistic freedom,” Gordon said.

In a further statement to Eurogamer, Gordon said, “I understand that the situation in the region is incredibly difficult and that many people have been affected by the conflict. I want to make it very clear that I vehemently condemn Putin’s violent aggression toward Ukraine and stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. […] My motivations are solely to support the Ukrainian people affected by the conflict.”

Gordon sought again to seperate Mundfish and the Russian government’s actions, as well as its Russian roots. “I believe it is important to separate the actions of a government from the actions of individual citizens,” he told Eurogamer. “The game is a truly international effort, with 130 developers contributing to the project from more than 10 different countries. It was a great honor to see the creativity and talent that went into creating this game. Atomic Heart.”

Gordon’s donation must be recognized, first and foremost, as an act of humanity and generosity toward a population in great need of support. But it does seem notable that he goes out of his way to defend Mundfish’s reputation, as well as to make an unequivocal statement on the war that Mundfish seems either unwilling, or unable due to the political climate in Russia, to make.

Previewed Atomic Heart This was last month. Mundfish made a very neutral statement that day. “We want to assure you that Mundfish is a developer and studio with a global team focused on an innovative game and is undeniably a pro-peace organization against violence against people. We do not comment on politics or religion,” the statement read. The studio denied any claims it had collected player data for Russian security agencies. These claims are made in an article that says Mundfish is owned by Russian investors.

What’s clear from playing the game is that, whatever the political alignment of its makers, it is a deeply culturally Russian product. This will present a major barrier to enjoyment for some players; Gordon is doing his best to break this barrier down, but it’s a big ask.