Sony Halts Sales Of PlayStation Consoles And Software In Russia

Sony Playstation and accessories

Sony has joined a long list of global companies taking sides with Ukraine on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine attacks. Like other companies, Sony has stopped selling its PlayStation consoles and software in Russia.

Sony had earlier paused all film releases in Russia including imminent Marvel’s Morbius. 

In a Wednesday statement, a company representative from its video game unit said that Sony has halted all software and hardware shipments to Russia. The company’s new racing title Gran Turismo 7 will also not be launching in Russia, and Sony stores in Russia will be suspending operations.

In a statement, the company said that “Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) joins the global community in calling for peace in Ukraine,” adding that  “To support humanitarian aid, Sony Group Corporation announced a $2 million donation to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the international NGO, Save the Children, to support the victims of this tragedy.”

Industry insiders have hailed Sony’s decision emphasizing its significance as Sony has the biggest presence in Russia compared to other console makers present in the country. According to Lewis Ward, head of gaming at research firm IDC, “PlayStation has the largest installed base, so if a company on the console side has a particularly hard choice from a purely financial angle, it’s Sony.”

Last week, video game companies began taking steps to sever ties with Russia. CD Projekt, makers of the sci-fi game Cyberpunk 2077, and Electronic Arts, said they would block all sales of games and content in Russia and Belarus.

Sony’s action follows Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s call for companies to stop operations in Russia and ally nation Belarus.

A bunch of other brands have also brought their operations in Russia to a halt. Last week, Google took off Russia Today and Sputnik from its Play Store. Apple also removed these state-owned media outlets from its App Store. Visa and Mastercard also took off Russian financial institutions from their networks. Together, they also promised $2 million towards humanitarian relief funds for Ukraine. Airbnb, which is providing refuge for Ukrainians who need it also suspended its operations in Russia. Last weekend, PayPal joined the list of companies that have taken action against Russia. The company announced the suspension of its services in Russia. The company’s CEO – Dan Schulman wrote in a letter addressed to the Ukrainian government that “Under the current circumstances, we are suspending PayPal services in Russia.” Global streaming service Netflix also announced over the weekend that it was halting its service in Russia following Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

Big tech company Microsoft also said it was suspending new sales in Russia. In a blog post dated 4^th of March, 2022 and written by President and Vice Chairman Brad Smith, the company said that “Like the rest of the world, we are horrified, angered and saddened by the images and news coming from the war in Ukraine and condemn this unjustified, unprovoked and unlawful invasion by Russia…We are announcing today that we will suspend all new sales of Microsoft products and services in Russia.”

Computer software company Oracle also joined the increasing list of companies shutting down operations in Russia. On the 2^nd of March, shoe brand Nike suspended operations in the country and promised to close physical stores. Adidas announced that it was going to cut partnerships with Russian soccer teams. Although its stores are still open in the country, Puma paused online deliveries. IKEA halted operations in Russia and Belarus. The shopping centre Mega will stay open so residents can have access “to their daily needs and essentials such as food, groceries and pharmacies,” it said.

Food companies McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Starbucks, have also halted their operations in Russia.