World famous online battle game World of TanksFormer developer of Lesta Studios, faced an unexpected intervention from the Russian government. It was revealed that all shares of Lesta Studios, which separated from its parent company Wargaming in 2022 and became an independent studio in Russia, were transferred to the state by court order. The reason for this shocking decision was shown as Wargaming's support for Ukraine.
According to information reflected in court documents, the current structure of Lesta Studios was described in the case file prepared by the Russian Prosecutor General's Office as "a structure engaged in extremist activities." The basis of this serious accusation is the various support provided to Ukraine by Lesta Studios' former parent company, Wargaming, following Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The documents state that all shares owned by Lesta Studios' key executives Viktor Kisly and Malik Khatazhaev are requested to be transferred to the Russian state.
Clear Statement from Wargaming: Emphasis on Withdrawal from Russia and Belarus
Wargaming has released a statement regarding these serious allegations and the seizure decision. The company announced to the public that it will completely withdraw from the Russian and Belarusian markets in 2022 and transfer all of its commercial assets in these markets to the local government for zero cost. Wargaming emphasized that it no longer has any commercial activities in these countries, and also drew attention to the humanitarian aid campaigns it has carried out for Ukraine in the past.
Ukraine-Themed In-Game Packages and Ambulance Donations Became Reasons
A campaign launched by Wargaming in 2023 in support of Ukraine was also cited as a reason for the Russian government’s intervention. The company donated all of its income from publishing special Ukrainian-themed in-game packs to purchase medically equipped ambulances to increase the chances of survival for those injured on the front lines. These ambulances were equipped with vital devices such as defibrillators, monitors and oxygen support. It is understood that Wargaming’s humanitarian efforts were interpreted by the Russian government as “support for extremist activities” and presented as the basis for its decision to seize Lesta Studios.
Creative Director Dismissed
On the other hand, a similar crisis occurred within Wargaming in 2022 following Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The company’s creative director, Sergey Burkatovskiy, was immediately dismissed after public statements supporting Russia’s attack. Wargaming made it clear that Burkatovskiy’s statements did not reflect the company’s corporate views.
All these developments once again reveal the political influence of the Russian government on the gaming industry and how tensions in international relations can directly affect commercial activities. The decision to seize Lesta Studios has had a great impact internationally, and has opened up discussions about the position of game development companies in the face of political events and their possible consequences.
