Russia Seizes Studio Lesta

Drama

06 June 2025 15:33

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has extended to the world of video games, with Lesta Games, the Russian studio behind the local version of World of Tanks and its offshoot Mir Tankov, now facing serious charges. Moscow has frozen all assets belonging to the company, accusing it of illegally funneling money from its titles to Ukraine.

Originally developed by Wargaming, World of Tanks was a massive success globally, including in Russia. However, following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Wargaming pulled out of Russia and Belarus, citing the conflict. The company also raised funds for Ukrainian aid, a move that could potentially be considered a crime under Russian law. World of Tanks rights in Russia were subsequently transferred to Lesta Games, which took over the local version and developed Mir Tankov.

More:Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders Canceled

Despite Lesta Games repeatedly distancing itself from Wargaming, claiming no relationship with the company, the Russian government moved to seize control of the studio. According to reports from PC Gamer, Moscow has accused Lesta Games' co-founder, Malik Khatazhaev, of being part of an “extremist group” allegedly linked to Viktor Kisly, the CEO of Wargaming. The evidence presented in court reportedly referenced Wargaming’s support for Ukraine, including public fundraising efforts.

In a strange twist, Russian media has reassured World of Tanks players that they won’t face arrest for spending money on the game, which could have potentially been funneled to Ukrainian causes. Anton Gorelkin, deputy chairman of the Duma’s Information Technology Committee, further commented that Lesta Games’ assets would likely be handed over to a “specialized Russian company.”

It’s important to note that Lesta Games only holds the rights to World of Tanks within Russia. Outside the country, Wargaming retains control of the game’s assets and intellectual property.

Tags: Lesta

Share:

Sources:

Report mistake Submit news

Related news

View All

Light of Motiram Marketing Stopped

Tencent has agreed to halt all promotional activities and public testing for its upcoming action game Light of Motiram as...

Drama

Dec 04, 2025

Astralis is Having Issues with Payments

Jonas Gundersen, CEO of Danish esports organization Astralis, has confirmed a delay in the payment of December salaries, affecting both...

Drama

Dec 02, 2025

ULF Esports on Delayed Salary Claims

ULF Esports has issued an official response to recent allegations regarding delayed salary payments to players in its League of...

Drama

Dec 02, 2025

Freaks 4U Gaming Filed for Insolvency

Nodwin Gaming, the India based parent company of Freaks 4U Gaming, announced that it has fully written off its investment...

Drama

Nov 28, 2025

Coslayer Commits Suicide

A cosplayer known online as @squidkid1111, died by suicide last week following persistent online bullying rooted in racism. According to friends...

Drama

Nov 26, 2025

Russia Seizes Studio Lesta

Drama

06 June 2025 15:33

Tags: Lesta

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has extended to the world of video games, with Lesta Games, the Russian studio behind the local version of World of Tanks and its offshoot Mir Tankov, now facing serious charges. Moscow has frozen all assets belonging to the company, accusing it of illegally funneling money from its titles to Ukraine.

Originally developed by Wargaming, World of Tanks was a massive success globally, including in Russia. However, following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Wargaming pulled out of Russia and Belarus, citing the conflict. The company also raised funds for Ukrainian aid, a move that could potentially be considered a crime under Russian law. World of Tanks rights in Russia were subsequently transferred to Lesta Games, which took over the local version and developed Mir Tankov.

More:Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders Canceled

Despite Lesta Games repeatedly distancing itself from Wargaming, claiming no relationship with the company, the Russian government moved to seize control of the studio. According to reports from PC Gamer, Moscow has accused Lesta Games' co-founder, Malik Khatazhaev, of being part of an “extremist group” allegedly linked to Viktor Kisly, the CEO of Wargaming. The evidence presented in court reportedly referenced Wargaming’s support for Ukraine, including public fundraising efforts.

In a strange twist, Russian media has reassured World of Tanks players that they won’t face arrest for spending money on the game, which could have potentially been funneled to Ukrainian causes. Anton Gorelkin, deputy chairman of the Duma’s Information Technology Committee, further commented that Lesta Games’ assets would likely be handed over to a “specialized Russian company.”

It’s important to note that Lesta Games only holds the rights to World of Tanks within Russia. Outside the country, Wargaming retains control of the game’s assets and intellectual property.

Share:

Sources:

Report mistake Submit news