Game Studios Show Support For Ukraine

Russia attacked Ukraine openly and invaded it on February 24, following weeks of growing tensions between them. Hundreds of Ukrainian citizens were reported to have been killed in the bombings or by Russian militia. The world is watching this terrifying and historic event unfold. There have been efforts to help civilians, organizations at the ground level, and those who are displaced like the Ukrainian Red Cross. These efforts include charity drives and public support of Ukraine by studios in the videogame industry. 

Game Informer will be updating this story. 

Remedy Entertainment

Remedy Entertainment, which is the studio behind Control released a statement on March 4. It said it was supporting Ukraine and had donated 50,000 euro to Red Cross in order to assist victims of conflict. 

“As Remedy Entertainment, we all stand united in our support of Ukraine,” Remedy Entertainment writes in its statement. “To help the people of Ukraine and alleviate some of their suffering, we have donated 50 thousand euros to the Red Cross to help the victims of war. All our Ukrainian workers have been given support and we will continue to help their loved ones and families back home. 

Also, we are supporting our Russian employees who have been devastated by this terrible war. We aren’t blaming those responsible. Although we don’t usually speak out about global events, the shocking and disturbing act of the Russian regime invading Ukraine has touched all of us. We hope that peace will win.” 

EA

EA, publisher of sports games such as NHL, Madden NFL, and Battlefield 2042 announced that on March 4, it had stopped selling its content and games in Russia and Belarus. Here’s EA’s statementHere is the complete article: 

“We continue to be shocked at the conflict that is unfolding in Ukraine, and join so many voices around the world in calling for peace and an end to the invasion,” EA writes in the blog post. “We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. We are concerned about the safety of all those living in the area, including our colleagues and partners. Therefore, we want to find ways that we can help these people beyond the existing programs. 

We made the tough decision to cease sales of games and other content in Russia and Belarus, even virtual currency bundles. Our games and content won’t be sold in the Russian region storefront, on Origin, or via EA App, as well as in-game shops. Additionally, we are working closely with our partners on platforms to remove our games from these stores as well as to end the sales of in-game content for the region. 

As this deeply troubling situation evolves, we’re continuously reviewing the steps we can take. In addition to changes to our EA Sports FIFA and NHL games, we are actively evaluating other areas of our games and operations, and will update with any further actions.” 

Microsoft

On March 4, Microsoft announced in a blog post that it was suspending sales of its products and services in Russia as a result of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Microsoft controls Xbox and this would likely include Xbox accessories such as official accessories or consoles. 

Additionally, we coordinate closely with and work in sync with the United States, European Union and United Kingdom governments. We have also stopped many aspects of business with Russia due to governmental sanctions. As the situation changes, we believe that we can be most helpful in helping Ukraine when we coordinate with their decisions.

Like so many others, we stand with Ukraine in calling for the restoration of peace, respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, and the protection of its people.”  

Microsoft’s announcement comes days following. Ukrainian vice prime minister Mykhailo Fedorov publicly called on Sony and Microsoft to cut off Russia from its respective online gaming services immediately in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Sony has not made a public stance or released a statement in regards to this war at the time of this writing.

Bloober Team

Bloober Team from Poland, which is behind The Medium and others, has announced that on March 3, it would be pulling its digital store pages out of Russia and Belarus. 

“As the Russian unprovoked invasion of Ukraine continues, killing defenders and civilians alike, we at Bloober Team have decided to stop selling our titles in Russia and Belarus across all platforms,” Bloober Team writes in a press release. “We’ve been working with our partners to put the games down from the stores in these countries – the ban coming into effect first on Steam. 

Our hearts are with the Ukrainian people and this is one of several steps we’re currently taking to support them. We understand that our decision might affect many Russian and Belarussian players who are not involved in this invasion, but we strongly believe that every step that can help stop this war is worth taking – this includes showing full solidarity with the Ukrainian people both with words and actions, as well as creating pressure on the Russian and Belarussian public opinion. 

Global joint resistance could make a significant difference, we believe. We want to be a part of a world that doesn’t turn a blind eye to warmongering. And we won’t stay neutral when human lives are at stake.” 

The Pokémon Company

On March 3, The Pokémon Company released a statement in support of Ukraine on Twitter, pledging to donate $200,000 to its partners at GlobalGiving. 

“The growing crisis in Ukraine and Eastern Europe, which continues to cause the displacement of families and threaten the safety of children, is heartbreaking. 

The Pokémon Company International is making an immediate donation of $200,000 USD to our partners at GlobalGiving to provide humanitarian relief. The nonprofit will efficiently direct the funds to community-led organizations supporting families and children affected by the crisis.” 

Devolver Digital

Perhaps the most forward show of support for Ukraine, Devolver Digital, the publisher behind this year’s Sifu amongst others, kept it simple with the following: 

Devolver Digital, as you can see includes links to charity donations that can be made to Ukraine. 

John Romero

John Romero is the co-creator and legend of Doom II. He announced March 3rd that he has released Doom II at a higher level. 100% of Doom II revenue will be donated to Ukraine and the Ukrainian Red Cross. 

“One Humanity is a new level for the 1994 id Software release Doom II created by John Romero to support the people of Ukraine and the humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund,” Romero’s website reads.” 100% of the proceeds go toward these support initiatives. One Humanity is Romero’s first Doom II level since the release of the original in 1994. The.WAD file contains both the readme text and the external mod files. Players must have an original copy of Doom II and a modern source port to play one Humanity.” 

You can read more about Romero’s charity effort here. 

GSC Game World 

GSC Game World is the company behind S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl, released a new video on March 3, detailing its current struggle in game development as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. GSC’s headquarters is in Kyiv (the capital of Ukraine), which has been bombed heavily and used as a target for Russian invasion since February 24, when the invasion started. In the video, the studio announced that it would be putting Stalker 2 development on the “sidelines” so that it can focus on keeping its employees safe during this conflict. 

Here’s what was said, in full, in the video: 

“The previous week, we were editing the video about our motion-capture studio. This video will show you how we created the cutscenes. It was a time-consuming task to look at videos, create scripts and talk with actors. This week seemed so long ago. Russia sent missiles, tanks and soldiers into Ukraine to declare war on Ukraine. The Russian government has forced our country to fight again for its existence. This seems to be the cost of freedom. This is the video that will answer your question. [the] ‘How are you guys?” question. Now we are striving to help our employees and their families to survive. Although the game’s development was halted, we plan to continue our efforts after winning. Glory to Ukraine.”

Unity

Unity, a video game engine development company, released a statement of support for Ukraine, including how it’s going to donate money to Ukrainian publishers and others, on March 2. 

“Unity stands with the people of Ukraine,” Unity writes on Twitter. “Here’s how we’re helping to support those affected: Internally, our employees are directly supporting four international humanitarian charities focused on helping the people of Ukraine with a triple-matching commitment from the company and our leaders. As of March 1, Unity and our employees have committed over $623,000 to supporting Ukraine.” 

Unity has also created two initiatives in the Unity Asset Store. Read more: 

Ubisoft

Ubisoft, the publisher and developer behind franchises like Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed, released a statement on March 1 to show its support for its teams and the people of Ukraine. The full statement is available here: 

“We are devastated and heartbroken by the tragic events taking place in Ukraine,” Ubisoft writes. “Many Ubisoft team members call Ukraine home, and the thoughts of the entire Ubisoft community are with them, their loved ones, and all those affected by this war. We are committed to the well-being of all our team members and their families. Ubisoft closely monitored the situation over the last months and has made it our top priority to ensure the safety of our employees.

Ubisoft suggested that all teams seek shelter at a safe place as the events escalated during February. Each team member received additional funding to cover extraordinary costs. In addition, Ubisoft paid the salary ahead of time to ensure that banking system disruptions were not a factor. Ubisoft provided support to our Ukrainian colleagues and helped them when the impossible became possible last week. Alternative housing has been set up in neighbouring countries so that our colleagues and their families have shelter, if needed.

To stay closely connected to all our team members, Ubisoft has created dedicated hotlines to provide them with personalized support and aid. A system of emergency communications has been set up to allow us to stay in touch with all our team members in any situation. Our support for the Ukrainian teams is unwavering. We will adapt to changing circumstances and continue to strengthen our assistance. 

There are many people, especially children in Ukraine who need humanitarian aid such as shelter and medical supplies. Ubisoft today donated a total amount of 200,000 Euros to Save the Children and the Ukrainian Red Cross to meet the immediate needs of the Ukrainian people. Take care, all members of the Ukrainian community as well as anyone else who has been affected by this war. We are with you.” 

Embracer Group

Embracer Group is a Swedish videogame media holding company. It has a large videogame catalog that includes titles such as Saints Row and Kingdoms of Amalur. To show support for Ukraine, Embracer Group posted a tweet on February 28. 

“Millions of people are experiencing unthinkable hardships in Ukraine,” Embracer Group writes on Twitter. “The Embracer Group has decided to donate one-million US dollars for humanitarian aid to support those impacted through esteemed organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, SOS Children’s Villages, and ACT Alliance among others. 

In addition, our Group CEO, Lars Wingefors, will match this donation with another one-million US dollar pledge to support our employees and contractors who are directly impacted by this crisis.”

Flying is possible for people

People Can Fly, the studio behind last year’s Outriders, released a Twitter thread on February 28 showing its support for Ukraine, promising to donate 1 Polish zloty ($.22 USD), up to 1 million, for every Polish zloty donated by others to Polska Akcja Humanitarna, a Poland-based humanitarian organization that delivers aid to countries that need it. 

“Hard to find the right words,” People Can Fly writes on Twitter. “We are deeply saddened by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. PCF stands against violence and war. We are doing our best to take care of our Ukrainian team members and their loved ones.”

Techland

Techland, which is the studio behind Dying Light 2, issued a statement supporting Ukraine on February 26. It’s also going to be donating roughly $225,000 to Polska Akcja Humanitarna, a Poland-based humanitarian organization that delivers aid to countries that need it.

“The ongoing war in Ukraine has left us devastated and heartbroken beyond words,” Techland writes on Twitter. “In the past few days, we’ve been focusing on ensuring our employees and their families are safe and receive support. We’ve also joined the efforts of the Polish gaming community in supporting our neighbors from Ukraine by donating 1 million PLN to Polska Akcja Humanitarna – an organization that provides humanitarian assistance to people affected by the conflict. We are thinking of the Ukrainian people.” 

Crytek

Crytek, the studio behind the popular Crysis franchise with an office based in Ukraine’s Kyiv capital, released a statement on February 25 to show its support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict happening there. 

“Kyiv has been home to one of the Crytek studios for the last 15 years,” Crytek writes in the statement. “Our focus in Crytek has always been that people come first, so the safety of our colleagues and their loved ones during this uneasy time has been paramount to us. Since the beginning of the week, we have closely followed the situation and been in touch with studio personnel to offer our assistance during difficult times. 

We are deeply saddened by the current events, and our thoughts are with our team as well as all Ukrainian citizens.” 

CD Projekt Red

Cyberpunk 2077, Witcher 3 creator CD Projekt Red and other Polish-based companies released a statement supporting Ukraine on February 25, The studio made a pledge to give $225,000 to Polska Akcja Humanitarna (a Polish-based humanitarian organisation that provides aid to those in need). 

“The recent invasion on Ukraine, our friends and neighbors, left us shocked and outraged,” the studio writes in a tweet. “In solidarity with all victims of this act of aggression, the CD Projekt Group has decided to support humanitarian aid efforts by donating 1 million PLN to [Polska Akcja Humanitarna].”

Raw Fury

Raw Fury, the publishing label behind titles like Sable, posted a statement of support for Ukraine on Twitter on February 24. 

“Overnight, millions of Ukrainians have fled their everyday lives stolen away from them because of circumstances entirely out of their control,” Raw Fury writes in the statement “Houses lost, families separated, and the atrocity of war surrounding the neighborhoods they call home. This is the time to rally as a whole community in support of those affected by war. 

Raw Fury believes that people should treat each other as humans. This is why it is so important to show empathy when there are conflicts. Raw Fury supports the Ukrainian people and will make a donation to the Ukrainian Red Cross. We urge you all to help by donating so that aid can be made readily available for those in need.” 

Vostok Games

Vostok Games, the studio behind Survarium, posted a show of support for Ukraine on February 24 in the form of a picture of the Ukrainian flag with the hashtag “#StandWithUkraine.” 

Frogwares

Frogwares (the team behind The Sinking City, and Sherlock Holmes) tweeted that on February 24, Russia attacked its homeland. This meant it could not stand by, depriving Ukraine of its sovereignty. 

“We can’t just stand by,” Frogwares writes on Twitter. “Russia attacks our homeland and denies the sovereignty of Ukraine. Although we want to be safe, it is not easy. We appeal to everyone to demand that Putin withdraws from our lands. #StopRussianAggression.”

Bungie

Bungie, developer of Destiny 2, has announced that 100% of proceeds from its Game2Give campaign will go to aid in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict. 

11 Bit Studios

11 Bit Studios wasn’t afraid to criticize Russia, and it showed support for Ukraine in its defense efforts. The studio also initiated a charity drive February 24, which was largely supported by the public. It put This War of Mine, a staunchly anti-war game developed by the studio, on sale on consoles and Steam, and 100% of the profits made during this sale are going to the Ukrainian Red Cross.

11 Bit Studios, a Polish-based studio announced on March 3 that it would donate nearly $700,000.000 to Ukraine. The studio also released this statement alongside its original drive, which details how the Poland-based studio feels about the ongoing conflict:

Game Informer will be updating this story.