Microsoft and Electronic Arts suspend sales in Russia

More companies are halting sales over the invasion of Ukraine

Several more companies have joined the growing list of those halting sales in Russia and Belarus. In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Microsoft and Electronic Arts have officially halted sales in the region.

In a statement from Microsoft president Brad Smith, the tech company confirmed it is suspending all new sales of products and services in Russia. The company is also working with the U.S. and other governments to stop business in compliance with governmental sanctions.

“We believe we are most effective in aiding Ukraine when we take concrete steps in coordination with the decisions being made by these governments and we will take additional steps as this situation continues to evolve,” wrote Smith.

Electronic Arts had already confirmed it’s removing the Russian national teams and clubs from its EA Sports games. The publisher put out a statement today, affirming that its games will no longer be available for purchase in Russia through its own digital storefronts, and it’s working with platforms to remove its games from their stores.

Other reports have surfaced of storefronts removing items or currency from sale. Eurogamer reports that the recently launched Gran Turismo 7 is unavailable on the PlayStation Store in Russia. And some report that the Nintendo eShop has suspended payments. Neither Sony or Nintendo has put out an official statement as of this writing.

CD Projekt announced yesterday that it was halting sales in Russia, which includes its GOG distribution platform. Bloober Team has also been removing its games from sale in the region.

Game developers have also been raising support for humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Just recently, Doom 2 co-creator John Romero released a new level for the classic FPS, with all proceeds going towards aid for Ukraine.