The Russian attacks on the Ukraine have caused widespread condemnation around the world. The sentiment within the gaming community is no different as many remain concerned for their friends and family at studios based within the country. To help with Ukraine war relief efforts, Bungie, CD Projekt and 11 bit studios are amongst several studios to have made a donation to organizations seeking to help those in need.
An uncertain future
There are many studios based within Ukraine, all of which face an uncertain future at the moment. These include GSC Game World (S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2), Frogwares (Sherlock Holmes, The Sinking City), Vostok Games (Fear The Wolves), Sengi Games (upcoming PS5 title The Serpent Rogue), Crytek Kyiv (Warface), and Ubisoft Kyiv and Odesa (Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon support). Several of these studios are looking at potential relocations, following in the footsteps of 4A Games (Metro franchise) who relocated to Malta following violence within the Ukraine in 2014.
Many have released statements calling for people not to ignore their plight. GSC Game World asked the gaming industry to “not stand aside and help those in need”, as well as to consider supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine through a special aid account. Others, like Crytek and Ubisoft, have been offering their support to their studios who have been affected.
— GSC Game World (@GSC_GW) February 24, 2022
We're a peaceful nation, and in all the years since we gained our independence, we've never attacked or threatened anyone.
Because of this situation, our work will be impacted and our lives can be destroyed.
— Frogwares (@Frogwares) February 24, 2022
— Ubisoft (@Ubisoft) February 25, 2022
An important message from the @Crytek Family. https://t.co/my2zKrPI13
— Crysis (@Crysis) February 25, 2022
As things stand we are safe. We continue our work remotely for the moment and will react to the situation, depending on how it develops. Lastly we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our brave soldiers fighting to defend our nation. We salute you! #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/A8I5oX1w58
— Vostok Games (@VostokGames) February 25, 2022
Other studios around the world have been doing their best to help with the relief efforts that are heading towards the region. Bungie is donating 100% of the proceeds of the first 48 hours of their Game2Give drive to the Ukraine humanitarian aid efforts. CD PROJEKT Group has donated 1 million PLN to Polska Akcja Humanitarna, a Polish humanitarian organization who is currently in the Ukraine. 11 bit studios is donating all profits from This War of Mine and its DLC to the Ukranian Red Cross, while Raw Fury will also be donating to the same charity. Digital Extremes has donated $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross for their part in humanitarian aid efforts in Ukraine too. Many other studios have directed people towards an information site on the Russian-Ukraine war that includes many donation links for those who wish to help.
