Game Company Wargaming Withdraws from Russia and Belarus.

Over the past few weeks, Wargaming has conducted a strategic review of its business operations worldwide. The company has decided that it will not own or operate its business in Russia and Belarus and will exit both countries.

As of March 31, the company has transferred its live games business in Russia and Belarus to local management at Lesta Studio, which is no longer affiliated with Wargaming. The company will not profit from this process, neither today nor in the future. Instead, we anticipate significant losses as a direct result of this decision.

We will complete the operational transition as swiftly as possible, while remaining in full compliance with all laws and ensuring the ongoing safety and support of our employees. During the transition period, the “live” products will remain accessible in Russia and Belarus and will be managed by the new owner.

Wargaming has also initiated the process of closing its studio in Minsk, Belarus.

We will provide the maximum possible support and assistance to our employees affected by these changes.

Despite the magnitude of this decision, we as a company remain confident in the future of our business and are committed to delivering quality games to our players.

The news of the departure of the largest online game developer in the post-Soviet space (referring to Wargaming) is a troubling sign. For the Belarusian company, the Russian market has always been one of the most significant and profitable, if not the most.

The fact that the company is ultimately leaving both Russia and Belarus clearly demonstrates the stance of its top management regarding the situation in Ukraine.

I am very curious to see the target audience of World of Tanks (which, for the most part, consists of working-class individuals and men aged 35+) who, returning home one evening, will realize that they can no longer play their favorite tanks.

However, the only winner in this situation may be War Thunder, which has traditionally been the main competitor to Wargaming in this sphere. Although who am I kidding, the departure of the main competitor will only weaken the market, not strengthen it.