The Russian invasion of Ukraine has created ripples throughout the video game industry. Ukraine-based studios likeSTALKER 2’s GSC Game Worldhave shut down development as teammates look to their families and the defense of their country. In nearby Poland,CD Projektis doing what it can to show solidarity with Ukraine, too. On Thursday, CD Projekt officially announced that it would be halting all CD Projekt Red game sales, as well as ending GOG distribution, in both Russia and Belarus.In a letter posted toCD Projekt Red’s official Twitter account, the studio announced an increased effort to lend support to Ukraine. That starts with the end of all CD Projekt Red game sales in both Russia and Russia’s ally, Belarus. To that effect, CD Projekt is currently working with its distribution partners to pull its library of games, includingCyberpunk 2077and theWitcherfranchise, from digital platforms. It’s also working to cease shipments of physical copies of CD Projekt Red games to the two countries. It will take time, but the actions are already in motion.RELATED:CD Projekt Red Hiring for New Open World GameAs CD Projekt also owns theGOG digital distribution platform, it can extend its efforts beyond just the sale of its own games. The letter also confirms that all games available on the GOG platform will no longer be available in either Russia or Belarus. GOG is home to over 5,000 games.
The impact of this decision can’t be understated. Closing off the availability ofCD Projekt Red gamesin both Russia and Belarus will lead to a meaningful financial punch to the company. Russia and Belarus account for 5.4% of CD Projekt Red’s overall revenue, as well as 3.7% of GOG’s revenue. It may not lead to any material changes at CD Projekt, but it’s clearly not a decision made without thought.
As for why CD Projekt decided to make this decision, it says straightforwardly that the company “stands firm with the people of Ukraine.” CD Projekt says that while it does not aspire to be a political entity, it does believe that “commercial entities, when united, have the power to inspire global change.” It does acknowledge that there will be players in bothRussia and Belaruswho won’t have access to CD Projekt Red’s catalog of games, but is confident in the need to move forward with this decision regardless.
Russia and Belarus' invasion of and war with Ukraine began on February 24 and remains ongoing. Dozens of game studios across the industry have made clear statements insupport of Ukraine, made substantial donations to humanitarian efforts, or have gone further, asCD Projekthas done.
