Russian Court Declares “World of Tanks” Developers as Extremists, Banning the Game in Russia
Russian Court Declares “Lesta Games” and “World of Tanks” Developers as Extremists
The Tagansky District Court of Moscow has officially labeled the Russian publisher of the popular game “World of Tanks,” Lesta Games, as an extremist organization. This ruling effectively bans the game within Russian territory. Along with the company, key figures such as Malik Khatazhaev, owner of Lesta, and Viktor Kisly, founder of Wargaming, have been placed under sanctions.
Legal Battle and Company Response
Roman Makarov, the lawyer representing Lesta Games, expressed doubts about the court’s decision, indicating that the company is considering further legal action. “We strongly disagree with the court’s ruling. We believe that Lesta Games is not an extremist organization. We presented all necessary evidence to support our case. The court’s decision was different, and we plan to appeal,” Makarov stated.
Trying to Win Favor with Authorities
In an effort to demonstrate their positive contributions to Russian society, Lesta Games showcased their achievements in advancing the local gaming industry. They also displayed gratitude messages from various branches of the Russian military, aiming to align themselves with national interests.
Controversies and Political Tensions
Previously, Lesta Games remained silent regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, unlike Wargaming, which actively provided assistance to Ukrainian military forces. Wargaming publicly supported Ukraine by aiding soldiers and medical personnel, raising concerns about potential repercussions from Russian authorities.
Background: How the Conflict Affected the Company
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Wargaming exited the Russian market and transferred the rights to “World of Tanks” to Lesta Games, a local Russian studio. Lesta then developed its own version of the game, tailored specifically for Russian players.
Recent Developments and Legal Actions
In late April, Russian prosecutors seized Lesta Games’ assets, accusing the company of engaging in extremist activities. The allegations are believed to be connected to Wargaming’s support for Ukraine, particularly a charitable campaign within the game that raised funds to purchase ambulances for Ukrainian medical workers. This initiative was entirely separate from Lesta’s activities, yet it appears to have influenced the authorities’ decision.
Alex "Pixel" Petrov
Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.