We’ve learned the World of Tanks creative director was fired over voicing his support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Wargaming creative director, Sergey Burkatovskiy, said in a now-deleted Facebook post (via PC Gamer) that he supports “the operation of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the DPR [Donetsk People’s Republic] and the LPR [Luhansk People’s Republic].”
Wargaming was quick to disavow his statement, saying his words are “his personal opinion, which categorically does not coincide with the position of the company.” Wargaming said they’re now “focused on helping our 550+ Kyiv colleagues and their families.”
The developer is based in Belarus and employs a number of developers in the Ukraine capital, Kyiv. Things escalated again when Burkatovskiy posted another Facebook message, saying he “broke up with the VG.” While some sites translated “VG” as “WG” or Wargaming, the developer later confirmed his departure.
“Sergey Burkatovskiy expressed his personal opinion on social media which categorically does not reflect the position of the company,” Wargaming said in a statement. “He has been let go and is no longer at the company.”
Wargaming also changed their online advertising in World of Tanks, halting advertising globally and redesigning the assets of tanks and other military vehicles rolling through the battlefield. They then resumed advertising but have kept the halt in Ukraine “as we believe it is inappropriate and insensitive to advertise our games while it is the center of this conflict.”
News that the World of Tanks creative director was fired over voicing support for Russia’s invasion into Ukraine is the latest in a series of updates and ceasing of sales from tech companies and game developers.
Previously, Microsoft halted all new sales and services over the Ukraine war, The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt RED halted their sales in Russia, while ESL has suspended Russian esports teams and tournaments in the region. Polish developer Bloober Team also stopped their sales in the region.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning Wargaming has donated 30 million hryvnia ($1 million) to the Ukrainian Red Cross to help with support of those affected by the invasion and ongoing conflict.
