Pokémon GO developer Niantic has disconnected the game for Russian users in response to the Ukraine conflict. With this decision, Niantic joins other gaming companies like Sony in shutting down digital platforms in Russia.
Digital storefronts and games like Pokémon GO that feature online connectivity are far from the only parts of the gaming world being closed off to Russia. Several video game companies and tech manufacturers have long since stopped shipping physical goods to the country, with PlayStation completely halting the Russian launch of its latest high-profile title Gran Turismo 7. When giving reasons for these stoppages, some of these companies have cited logistical issues relating to things like processing payments or distributing products, while others have stood in staunch opposition to Russia, calling its invasion of Ukraine unjustified and inhumane. For instance, when describing its decision to stop shipping to Russia, Nintendo called the situation too "volatile," whereas CD Projekt Red took a more firm public stance in support of Ukraine upon stopping sales of its products.
It would appear that Niantic falls more into the latter of these groups when it comes to PR and distancing itself from Russia. In a recent Tweet from the Niantic Twitter account, the company states that it is "hoping for peace and a rapid resolution to the violence and suffering in Ukraine." Following this, the Tweet explains that Pokémon GO will no longer be available to download or play to those in Russia and Belarus.
Based on this Tweet, it seems like Niantic's stance aligns with that of The Pokémon Company - the organization that licenses the rights to Pokémon to companies who make games like Pokémon GO. The Pokémon Company recently donated $200,000 to humanitarian aid in Ukraine, so it seems reasonable that a company like Niantic, which is closely and publicly connected to The Pokémon Company, would present a similar view on this global issue. In fact, Niantic also pledged to donate to Ukraine at the start of this month.
Responses to this post echo many of the responses to PlayStation's post about halting Russian sales; there are Russian gamers who feel that these decisions are unjustified as the people do not have direct control over the decisions of their president. No matter what players think about excluding Russian gamers from sections of the gaming community is, one thing seems likely: Pokémon GO will not be the last gaming platform to be put on pause in Russia.
Source: Niantic/Twitter
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