Russian authorities threaten World of Tanks developer for its alleged "extremist activities"

[Alfonso Maruccia]

In context: World of Tanks is a freemium tank warfare simulator launched 15 years ago. Wargaming, a Belarusian studio that later relocated to Cyprus, created the game and cut ties with Russia several years ago. Despite this, Moscow authorities are now trying to seize the company's hypothetically "Russian" assets.

Russian authorities have branded World of Tanks-related operations "extremist" and are threatening to confiscate property held by Wargaming executives. The case involves Lesta Games, a Moscow-based studio that Wargaming divested. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Wargaming cut ties with Russia and Belarus, handing over regional operations to Lesta.

Rock Paper Shotgun reports that Russia has accused companies linked to World of Tanks of engaging in extremist activity after the invasion of Ukraine, though prosecutors have yet to present substantive evidence. Lesta Games, meanwhile, claims it complies fully with Russian and Belarusian law and has nothing to fear from Moscow authorities.

Wargaming's World of Tanks has gained popularity among Ukrainian soldiers coping with war stress. The studio has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine, donating $1 million to the Ukrainian Red Cross for ambulances. However, Wargaming faced a $250 million loss after exiting the Russian market, equating to 30 percent of its market share.

Wargaming founder and CEO Victor Kislyi now resides in Cyprus, which should buffer him from the Russian regime. However, prosecutors still link him to an extremist organization, citing his support for Ukraine. They point to media headlines about his $1 million donation to the Ukrainian Red Cross as evidence of his alleged involvement in extremist activities.

In response to Russia's accusation, Wargaming reaffirmed its "strategic exit" from Russia and Belarus three years ago, calling it the right move. The company emphasized that it has no plans to return to these markets.

Wargaming transferred its remaining business interests in Russia and Belarus to local management at no cost, clarifying that it no longer owns any assets in those countries. As a result, the company argues, there is nothing left for Moscow authorities to seize.

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Russian authorities threaten World of Tanks developer for its alleged "extremist activities"

 

[GodisanAtheist]

Russian and Belarusian "Laws".

Welcome to the polonium pellet WoT devs...

 

[Kirby1]

"Your game makes our military look weak. You are a criminal!"

 

[WhiteLeaff]

What a joke... the Russian dictatorship doesn't extend to the world yet.

 

[Vulcanproject]

To Russia's government everyone they dislike goes on the well defined scale: from "Russophobe" to "Extremist" to "Terrorist" all the way up to full blown "Nazi." They almost certainly each have an assigned hotkey.

Most of Europe is now Nazi apparently. This guy got off lightly as an "Extremist." He sent a lot of money to the Red Cross, no doubt a terrorist organization.

Just wait til the Germans start sending long range missiles to Ukraine in the next couple of months. The Russian state run media will have a full blown meltdown.

 

[Thatsdisgusting]

"Your game makes our military look weak. You are a criminal!"

You may laugh, but they Do have such a legal wording as one of crimes against state, and joke you not they already imprisoned ppl that way, and it's not another "in soviet rusia" joke.
Like, you thought its bad when communist party is in the head of the state. Try KGB crooks only in the head of the state now, without "softcore" party members.

 

[VaRmeNsI]

In Western Europe they lock people up for petty reasons as well, just different ones.

Europe may well be the fourth Reich and Russia the USSR, both as bad as each other.

 

[Kirby1]

You may laugh, but they Do have such a legal wording as one of crimes against state, and joke you not they already imprisoned ppl that way, and it's not another "in soviet rusia" joke.
Like, you thought its bad when communist party is in the head of the state. Try KGB crooks only in the head of the state now, without "softcore" party members.

Imagine being the guy who defends Russia on forums. What a sad way to be.

 

[dangh]

In Western Europe they lock people up for petty reasons as well, just different ones.

Europe may well be the fourth Reich and Russia the USSR, both as bad as each other.

You serious? Where did you hear about Europe, in Siberian reeducation camp?

 

[kinetix]

What a joke... the Russian dictatorship doesn't extend to the world yet.

and the Uncle Sam one does?

 

[Kirby1]

and the Uncle Sam one does?

You mean the NATO one. Europe has given more to Ukraine than the US has, and any ***** can tell the difference between invaders and nations that were asked to help directly from the victims themselves.

Well, maybe not ANY ***** as you have so bluntly pointed out.

 

[pnntmp]

So donating to Red Cross is evidence of extremist activities ...

It's really hard to concoct something more absurd.
The fact everyone with a brain has fled Russia is becoming more and more apparent. Soon there will be no one left capable of changing a light bulb.

 

[lonetac]

In Western Europe they lock people up for petty reasons as well, just different ones.

Europe may well be the fourth Reich and Russia the USSR, both as bad as each other.

have you seen what will get you locked up in the USA? Pray you dont have brown skin... thats usually enough.

Lets not forget the USA has a prison population that is the largest in the world...

 

[mailpup]

Back on topic please. Thank you.

 

[jmarty928]

"Your game makes our military look weak. You are a criminal!"

Ironically there is a long standing tradition of Russian bias, especially in their other property World of Warships. Russia barely had a navy at all in WWII, and their boats are routinely some of the best in the game.

 

[jeffbert]

"When I have a brigade of Tiger Tanks, that is no illusion!" - Col. Hestler, The Battle of the Bulge
One of my favorite war movies of my childhood.