Electronic Arts announced on Friday that it is following the path laid out by certain other video game companies with regards to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Like CD Projekt before it, EA has decided that it will stop selling its games and associated content and virtual currencies in both Russia and Belarus. The decision was made with the concern of the safety of those within the region, as well as to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
What that means in motion is that, while the Electronic Arts app and Origin for the Russian region will continue to be available, no games or content will be available for purchase in them. Basically, EA will allow users to continue using the games and content that they've previously purchased, but no new purchases will be able to be made in either Russia or Belarus. Third-party storefronts are also being contacted to remove EA games and content, though it may take some time for those requests to be fulfilled.
EA also says that it's reviewing further steps that it can take in the future. Examples of what EA means include changes to EA Sports FIFA, like removing the Russian national team and other Russian clubs from all currently supported FIFA games. EA Sports NHL has made similar changes, removing both the Russian and Belarusian national clubs and teams following their suspension from the IIHF.
Again, EA explains that its actions are being done in solidarity with Ukraine and with concern over the safety of those in the region. EA specifically calls attention to its colleagues and partners in Ukraine and other impacted regions, as it says it is "seeking to understand how we might best help them further beyond our programs that are already in place." Suffice to say, EA is trying to frame its decision as one that's constructive and supportive, for what it's worth.
There's certainly many additional factors that plot into EA's decision that are left unsaid. While EA's decision to cut off Russia and Belarus may appear financially harmful, the costs of continuing to do business in the two countries would also be significant, even if it's just a reputational cost. There's also the fact that sanctions have led to many payment options no longer working in the two countries, which could mean business for EA in Russia and Belarus is inconsequential in the first place.
While the decision from EA may have been made for itself due to sanctions, it's still meaningful for the company to issue a statement of solidarity. Right now, people across the world may feel helpless to improve such an awful situation. What's left is embracing solidarity with others, including video game companies like EA, in support of Ukraine.