The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt is halting game sales in Russia and Belarus until further notice.
The Polish studio said the move is a response to Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, which Belarus helped facilitate.
The company will begin working immediately to suspend digital sales and cease physical stock deliveries of CD Projekt products in Belarus and Russia. Digital marketplace GOG, which is owned by CD Project, will also suspend operations in both countries.
“The entire CD Projekt Group stands firm with the people of Ukraine. While we are not a political entity capable of directly influencing state matters, and don’t aspire to be one, we do believe that commercial entities, when united, have the power to inspire global change in the hearts and minds of ordinary people,” wrote the company in a statement.
“We know that players in Russia and Belarus, individuals who have nothing to do with the invasion of Ukraine, will be impacted by this decision, but with this action we wish to further galvanise the global community to speak about what is going on in the heart of Europe.”
The news comes a day after Ukraine’s vice prime minister called on “all game companies,” including major players like Microsoft and Sony, to temporarily halt operations in the Russian market.
Update (03/04/2022): The Medium and Blair Witch developer Bloober Team has joined CD Projekt in halting sales in Russia and Belarus.
The Polish studio said it will stop selling its titles in both countries as the “Russian unprovoked invasion of Ukraine continues, killing defenders and civilians alike.”
The company explained it has begun working with its partners to pull down its games from stores in Russia and Belarus, and noted the ban will initially come into effect on Steam. It acknowledged the decision will hurt Russian and Belarussian players who aren’t involved in the invasion, but said it was crucial to show “full solidarity” with the Ukrainian people.
“We believe a global joint resistance can help make a difference. We want to be a part of a world that doesn’t turn a blind eye to warmongering. And we won’t stay neutral when human lives are at stake,” added the company.
“Our hearts are with the Ukrainian people and this is one of several steps we’re currently taking to support them.”