Kathrine Frich
Wargaming, which previously operated in Belarus and Russia, pulled out in 2022.
Wargaming, which previously operated in Belarus and Russia, pulled out in 2022.
Kremlin Targets Makers of ‘World of Tanks’
A Moscow court has ordered the seizure of shares in Lesta Games, the company behind the Russian version of World of Tanks, accusing its owners of involvement in “extremist activity.”
The dramatic move has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry and raised concerns about censorship, nationalization, and the future of one of Russia’s most popular online games.
Russian Authorities Seize Lesta Games’ Assets
On June 3, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office successfully petitioned a Moscow court to confiscate all shares in Lesta Games, along with its subsidiaries Lesta Games Agency and Lesta Games Moscow.
The decision follows claims that the company is linked to the international developer Wargaming, which publicly opposed Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Owners Accused of Supporting “Extremist Organizations”
Russian prosecutors named Victor Kislyi, founder of Wargaming, and Malik Khatazhaev, owner of Lesta Games, as participants in extremist activity.
Evidence included press articles and headlines referencing Wargaming’s support for Ukraine, such as:
“The Most Military Game: World of Tanks vs. Russia’s Special Operation”
and “Wargaming Launches Charity Project with Ukrainian Content to Raise Funds for Ambulances.”
Lesta’s Response: “We Support Russia”
Following the court ruling, Lesta Games issued public statements via social media reiterating its support for Russia.
It said that the legal justification for “extremism” was based on Wargaming’s actions, not its own.
Still, the Russian state is now in control of Lesta’s assets, citing indirect ties to Wargaming’s pro-Ukrainian stance.
Kremlin Says: “Gamers Have Nothing to Worry About”
Russian lawmakers attempted to reassure the public. Anton Gorelkin, a senior member of the State Duma’s tech committee, claimed that gamers should not fear legal consequences:
“They can’t be accused of supporting Ukraine just for making in-game purchases,”
he wrote, drawing parallels to Russians using banned apps like Instagram.
Wargaming’s Exit and Pro-Ukraine Initiatives
Wargaming, which previously operated in Belarus and Russia, pulled out in 2022.
The company later launched several charity efforts supporting Ukraine, including the WargamingUnited campaign with United24, which raised over $1 million for Ukrainian ambulances.
These initiatives were cited by Russian prosecutors as evidence of Lesta’s supposed guilt.
Who Owns the Game Now?
While Wargaming retains global rights to World of Tanks, World of Warships, and World of Tanks Blitz, Lesta Games continues to publish region-locked versions in Russia.
The court-ordered seizure effectively puts the Russian branches under state control, severing any remaining ties to Wargaming.
What’s at Stake for Players?
With the game still running, players may not see immediate changes.
However, experts warn that nationalization could affect future updates, monetization strategies, and even player data management.
There are concerns over censorship or propaganda being introduced into game content as the state tightens its grip.
Wargaming: A Global Giant with a Complex Legacy
Founded in 1998 in Minsk, Wargaming has evolved into a global developer headquartered in Cyprus.
Best known for World of Tanks, the company has pioneered online multiplayer battle games and pushed historical authenticity in its titles, from World of Warships to Master of Orion.
Though occasionally criticized for microtransactions, it remains a major player in free-to-play war gaming.
World of Tanks: The Battlefield Behind the Screens
World of Tanks is a tactical 15v15 online multiplayer game featuring hundreds of real-world armored vehicles.
With over 800 tank models and players across dozens of countries, it has long been a staple in competitive gaming and a cultural phenomenon in Eastern Europe and beyond.
