Nu de oorlog tussen Rusland en Oekraïne woedt trekken wereldwijd veel bedrijven zich terug uit het land. Economisch wordt hiermee de druk opgevoerd op Rusland. Inmiddels is ook duidelijk dat Wargaming, maker van onder meer World of Tanks, het land zal gaan verlaten. Ook in Wit-Rusland ziet men geen heil meer en ook daar zal de studio verdwijnen. Wargaming zal onder andere haar studio in Minsk gaan sluiten tijdens de transitie. Volgens Wargaming zal het besluit ongetwijfeld gevolgen hebben op financieel gebied, maar men is vastbesloten om de regio te verlaten om elders de studio opnieuw weer op te bouwen.
Over the past weeks, Wargaming has been conducting a strategic review of business operations worldwide. The company has decided it will not own or operate any businesses in Russia and Belarus.
Effective March 31 the company transferred its live games business in Russia and Belarus to the local management of Lesta Studio which is no longer affiliated with Wargaming. The company will not profit from this process either today or going forward. Much to the contrary, we expect to suffer substantial losses as a direct result of this decision.
We will be completing the operational transition with all due speed while remaining in full compliance with all laws and ensuring the ongoing safety and support of our employees. During the transition period, the live products will remain available in Russia and Belarus and will be operated by the new owner.
Wargaming has also started the process of closing its studio in Minsk. It will be conducted in strict compliance with the law. Heads of Products and Services will be meeting with their teams shortly to discuss the impact of this decision on each department.
We will provide as much severance and support as possible to employees affected by the change.
