Ukraine’s gaming community responds to outbreak of conflict

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In the morning of February 24, 2022, the Russian government began a large-scale military attack on Ukraine. Among the many Ukrainians who are speaking out and asking for support are its game developers. Ukraine is home to a large community of game creators, all of whom are feeling the effects of the escalating geopolitical conflict.

Members of the game community in Ukraine estimate that the country has over 400 game-based organizations and provides jobs to over 30,000 employees. Several game studios from Europe, Israel, and Russia have branch offices in the country, and outsourcing and work-for-hire compose a major part of the industry in Ukraine. Even if you’re not aware of it, it’s very likely you’ve played a game that was made or supported by a Ukrainian studio.

Several game studios have spoken about the conflict on social media. GSC Game World, the developers of the Stalker franchise, tweeted:

Frogwares, makers of the recent Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One, said: “We can’t just stand by. Russia attacks our homeland and denies the sovereignty of Ukraine. We are trying to stay safe, but this is war, there are no two ways about it…. We’re a peaceful nation, and in all the years since we gained our independence, we’ve never attacked or threatened anyone. Because of this situation, our work will be impacted and our lives can be destroyed.”

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Mobile gaming studio Gameloft tweeted: “Gameloft is home to two studios in Ukraine — Kharkiv and Lviv — and we want to express our support for them and everyone else affected by the current