Destiny 2’s Bungie halts sales to Russia, Gamigo begins Ukraine charity initiative in multiple MMOs

Plus: Into the Echo postpones pre-alpha over war in Ukraine

    
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As Russia’s devastating invasion of Ukraine continues, the gaming industry is continuing to make its voice heard as it opposes the harm inflicted on the Ukrainian people.

Destiny 2 studio Bungie announced last night that its players had raised $120,000 through its aid organization, as the studio matched those funds and continues to match employee donations as well. Funds are being distributed to two charities: Direct Relief, which provides medical relief, and International Rescue Committee, which supports refugees. The company further announced it is “working with [its] partners to suspend all Destiny 2 sales and commerce in Russia and Belarus” and introducing an in-game emblem to allow players to show their personal support.

Gamigo also announced today an in-game charity initiative in Trove, Fiesta Online, Last Chaos, and Wizard101; players will donate by purchasing items and packs, includung costumes and sunflower minis. “All profits for these special items will be fully donated to a charity that will support those affected by this conflict,” Gamigo says.

Etlok Studios, which is working on MMO Into the Echo, announced that it’s moving its pre-alpha once again “[d]ue to some unforeseen circumstances surrounding the war in Ukraine.” “The safety of our staff comes first, so we appreciate your understanding,” the team wrote on Twitter.

GIbiz has a piece up this week chronicling many of the companies currently blocking sales of their games in Russia and Belarus and detailing just how much of a hit they are taking in order to do so. Companies like Poland-based CD Projekt Red, for example, will take significant revenue losses, while EA has cut even Russia-related in-game items from sale, ensuring it will lose money even from non-Russian players. “Cutting off a $3.4 billion market, regardless of your position in it, is going to have an impact on your bottom line,” GIbiz argues. “So while the cessation of sales could be dismissed as a symbolic gesture, it’s more significant than that in the grander scheme of how these publishers do business.”

Further reading on the game industry’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine:

Source: Bungie, Etlok, GIbiz
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