Sony suspends all PlayStation sales in Russia over Ukraine war

Sony Has stopped selling PlayStation consoles and software in Russia and has become the latest major brand to withdraw from the country in the Ukrainian War.

A representative of Sony’s video game unit said in a statement Wednesday that the company will stop shipping all software and hardware in the country and launch a new racing title, Gran Turismo 7. Russia.

“Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is participating in the global community to call for peace in Ukraine,” the company said.

“To support humanitarian aid, Sony Group Corporation has announced a $ 2 million donation to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the international NGO Save the Children to help victims of this tragedy.” The company’s statement added.

Iconic brands McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Starbucks Stopped operations in Russia In protest against the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Last week, a video game company Began taking steps to break relations with Russia.. CD projectThe maker of the science fiction game Cyberpunk 2077, and Electronic ArtsSaid to block all sales of games and content in Russia and Belarus.

Microsoft It’s friday Stop all new sales The day after products and services in Russia, including Xbox consoles, software and subscription services, Epic Games, the studio behind Fortnite, said it “stopped commerce with Russia for our games.” ..

Sony’s decision is one of the most important moves in the industry to date. According to industry insiders, the company has the largest presence among console makers in Russia.

“Since PlayStation has the largest installation base, it’s Sony if the console company makes a particularly difficult choice from a purely economic point of view,” said Lewis Ward, game director at research firm IDC. Recently told CNBC.

Ukrainian Digital Minister Mykhailo Fedorov had previously asked Microsoft and Sony to block all accounts in Russia and Belarus and cancel upcoming events in both countries.