Grand Theft Auto Publisher Halts Sales Of Games In Russia And Belarus

The games industry has pulled together in a spectacular way following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Some companies like Ubisoft offered financial aid, and housing for their employees in the country. A number of companies have put out game sales, donating profits to Ukraine; such as 11 bit studios who raised over £500,000 for Ukraine aid.

Then there are the indie teams who have put together a bundle of almost 1,000 games, and are on their way to $1million raised.

You can see the heart-breaking trailer to 11 bit studios This War Of Mine here.



In addition to raising money for the people of Ukraine, several studios big and small have pulled out of Russia entirely, the hope being that it will add to the pressure on government to stop what it's doing.

CD Projekt of The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 fame, suspended sales in Russia alongside EA, which not only stopped sales in Russia but removed the national and club  teams from its sports games. Now according to GI.biz Take-Two Interactive are the latest publisher to join the cause.

The major publisher, which owns juggernaut franchises like Grand Theft Auto Red Dead, Redemption, Bioshock, and Borderlands, has removed all of its games from sale in Russia and Belarus. In a statement, vice president of corporate communications and public affairs, Alan Lewis said:

"We have watched recent events unfold in Ukraine with concern and sadness. - After significant consideration, last week, we decided to stop new sales, installations, and marketing support across all our labels in Russia and Belarus at this time."

This follows the news that Nintendo has suspended all eShop services across Russia with the store entering Maintenance Mode. This is due to the store no longer accepting payment in Russian currency.