With the news of Russian state media reporting Russia's move to seize Lesta Games' assets, chaos is swirling in the World of Tanks community. This comes after a controversial 2023 in-game event by Wargaming aimed at supporting Ukraine. Players globally raised over a million dollars through Wargaming’s titles, funneling funds to Ukraine's United24 initiative for emergency services - prompting reaction from the Russian government.
Behind the scenes, this crackdown links back to Lesta Games, the studio supporting World of Tanks in Russia and Belarus. Wargaming, which has pulled out of Russia and Belarus, handed the reins over to Lesta but remains in the spotlight due to its Ukraine support efforts. The Russian government pegs Lesta Games’ owner, Malik Khatazhaev, and Wargaming’s CEO, Viktor Kislyi, as part of an "extremist" triad, seeking to snatch control of their shares.
Lesta Games insists its operations comply with local laws, while Wargaming maintains clean hands after its strategic exit from Russian and Belarusian markets three years ago. Though Lesta Games may bear the brunt, Wargaming seems insulated from direct fallout due to its severed business ties. Yet, the gaming community watches eagerly as this geopolitical game unfolds.
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