Russia moves to seize assets linked to World of Tanks developers

Russian authorities are reportedly targeting executives associated with World of Tanks, accusing them of extremist activity due to their support for Ukraine.

The details:

• According to Russian state media, the heads of World of Tanks developer Wargaming and Russian publisher Lesta Games have come under scrutiny, with some reports claiming Lesta’s owner has had their stake in the company seized by the government. The action follows accusations that both individuals have supported Ukraine in ways the Russian government considers unlawful.
• Following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Wargaming exited the Russian and Belarusian markets, separating its business from Lesta Games. At the time, Wargaming shut down operations in Minsk, Moscow, and St. Petersburg, and those studios were restructured under Lesta’s control. Since then, World of Tanks has been developed and operated separately in and outside of Russia.
• Despite this split, Russian authorities appear to be treating the two entities as one, even though the Russian version of the game, now called Mir Tankov, is developed entirely by Lesta Games. A campaign run by Wargaming to raise funds for Ukrainian ambulances is being cited as evidence in the case, though Lesta had no involvement in the initiative.
• In a statement to Eurogamer, Wargaming reiterated that it no longer operates within Russia or Belarus. Eurogamer also reports that CEO Victor Kislyi does not hold any shares in Lesta Games or other assets in the region. “Wargaming made a strategic exit from the Russian and Belarusian markets three years ago,” a company spokesperson said. “The company disposed of its business in Russia and Belarus to the local management at zero cost and on a debt-free, cash-free basis, with no consideration to take it back. Wargaming doesn’t have any assets or business interests in Russia and Belarus.”

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