The response is that for now, it will be suspending sales of its games within the country. Ubisoft doesn’t say how long it will suspend sales for. But chances are it will continue until the invasion is withdrawn and/or this conflict is over. The choice to halt sales puts Ubisoft in league with the likes of EA, Rockstar, Take-Two Interactive, Microsoft and more. Last week, Nintendo made the decision to put the eShop into maintenance mode for Russian gamers. Due to the suspension of the payment processing system used for the eShop in the region. Meanwhile Microsoft back on March 4 announced its approach would be two-fold. It would stop selling new products and services in Russia, and suspending “many aspects” of its current business there.
Ubisoft likely won’t be the last game company to halt sales in Russia
While Ubisoft might be one of the latest studios to suspend sales, it probably won’t be the last. Considering the number of other big-name studios and companies that are doing the same thing, we may see more companies follow. That might also depend on how long this war lasts. Outside of gaming, companies such as Apple, Netflix Google, TikTok, and Samsung have either suspended sales of products and services or limited them in Russia. Most or all of this follows US and EU-imposed sanctions on Russia in response to the invasion.
What comes next
It’s hard to say what comes next. While the suspensions remain in place, Russian citizens will find it nigh impossible to get a hold of products from any of these companies. But with so many of the larger studios taking a stand against Russia for the invasion, it certainly has the potential to send a strong message. A message that many people stand with Ukraine in light of this tragedy.
