Rockstar Games Parent Company Take-Two Suspends Sales in Russia and Belarus

gamerant.com:

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to widespread condemnation from the international community. This extends to businesses as well, with companies like Apple halting sales or suspending service in response to the Russian invasion.

Rockstar Games parent company Take-Two Interactive is the latest firm to take steps against the country. Take-Two Interactive recently suspended all sales in Russia and Belarus due to their governments’ ongoing military aggression against the neighboring nation of Ukraine.

Nvidia Suspends Sales Into Russia

According to a recent report by GamesIndustry.biz, the company’s halted all sales in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. The publisher is also preventing Russian and Belarusian customers from installing games they already own. Take-Two’s vice president of public affairs, Alan Lewis, explained the decision in a brief statement earlier today. “We have watched recent events unfold in Ukraine with concern and sadness,” said Lewis. “After significant consideration, last week, we decided to stop new sales, installations, and marketing support across all our labels in Russia and Belarus at this time.”

While Take-Two isn’t the only publisher to halt business with Russia, it holds special significance. Take-Two’s Grand Theft Auto 5 is the third most popular game in the country, surpassed only by Dota 2 and Counter Strike: Global Offensive, according to market analysis company Newzoo. The game’s popularity can likely be attributed to Grand Theft Auto Online, which accounts for a sizable portion of Take-Two’s income. However, it’s currently unclear if Russian and Belarusian players have access to online features.

Take-Two’s decision is not likely to directly affect Russian President