The developer responsible for supporting World of Tanks in Russia and Belarus, Lesta Games, looks set to have its assets seized by the Russian Government, according to a report by Russian state media. This appears to be linked to an in-game campaign run by Wargaming – the game’s original developer that supports World of Tanks and its spinoff titles throughout the rest of the world – that was raising funds for ambulances for Ukraine.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Wargaming announced that it would be pulling out of the country (as well as neighboring Belarus) and transferring support for World of Tanks, World of Warships, and its other multiplayer games to Lesta Games. Despite Wargaming and Lesta Games being separate entities, it appears that the former’s support for Ukraine, and likely a 2023 in-game event it hosted, have attracted the attention of the Russian government.
The event, which spanned all of Wargaming’s titles, saw players raise over a million dollars, which the developer then sent to Ukraine’s United24 fundraising service in order to purchase new ambulances for the country’s emergency services.
According to state-owned media, the Russian government has moved to seize all the shares of Lesta Games’ owner Malik Khatazhaev and Wargaming’s CEO Viktor Kislyi. Court documents filed by Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office claim that Khatazhaev and Kislyi are part of an association that carries out extremist activities.
Lesta Games says in a statement posted to Telegram: “The company operates in full compliance with the legislation of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, so we have no reason to have any concerns or conceal information. We have not violated anything and we have nothing to fear.”
While Russia-based Lesta is a clear target, does this also impact Wargaming, given that it is named in these documents too? In a statement sent to The Daily Star, a representative says: “Wargaming made a strategic exit from the Russian and Belarusian markets three years ago. The company disposed of its business in Russia and Belarus to the local management at zero cost and on a debt-free, cash-free basis, with no consideration to take it back. Wargaming doesn’t have any assets or business interests in Russia and Belarus.” This means it’s unlikely that any action the Russian government takes on Lesta will directly effect Wargaming’s efforts elsewhere in the world.
