Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has suspended sales of PlayStation consoles and software in Russia. They became the umpteenth gaming company to withdraw from Russia after their invasion of Ukraine.
"Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) joins the global community in calling for peace in Ukraine," said SIE spokesman Joe Taraborelli in an official statement, as quoted by The Verge, Thursday (10/3/2022).
"We have suspended all shipments of all software and hardware, the launch of Gran Turismo 7, and the operation of the PlayStation Store in Russia."
Taraborelli added that Sony announced a donation of $2 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the non-profit organization Save the Children to help victims affected by the Russian invasion.
In a separate announcement, Bungie -- the developer in the process of being acquired by Sony -- said it would suspend all sales and distribution of the Destiny 2 game in Russia and Belarus.
Gamers in both countries can still access purchased game content or download the free version, but new purchases are suspended. Bungie has also released a free in-game emblem that players can use to show their support for Ukraine.
SIE is following in the footsteps of several gaming giants such as Activision Blizzard, Epic Games, Ubisoft, Take Two, and CD Projekt Red which stopped sales in Russia.
Microsoft, which is the manufacturer of Xbox, also stopped all new sales of Microsoft products and services in Russia. Nintendo also changed the status of its eShop in Russia to 'maintenance mode' as its payment system suspended processing of the Russian ruble.
Previously, Ukrainian Digital Minister Mykhailo Fedorov asked Sony and Microsoft to block all user accounts in Russia and Belarus and cancel all events in those two countries.