Video game giant Activision Blizzard is one of the many big businesses to suspend services in Russia in protest of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s bloody invasion of Ukraine. “Today, we are announcing that Activision Blizzard will be suspending new sales of and in our games in Russia while this conflict continues,” Daniel Alegre, Activision’s chief operating officer, explained in a message sent to all of the video game holding company’s employees on March 4.
In the message, he assured all of the employees that Activision remains committed to helping “those impacted by this terrifying violence” and would be doing its part “to provide assistance in every way possible.” In addition, Alegre noted that “throughout the past week, we have watched the news from Ukraine and the worsening humanitarian crisis that is unfolding” and promised that Activision Blizzard would “continue to look at ways to support the Ukrainian people.”
Activision Blizzard: Safety Is Paramount
Alegre assured employees that their safety is the utmost priority for the video game company’s leadership team in the companywide note. “We are doing everything possible to assist employees, and their families, who are being directly affected by this tragedy,” he stated. “If you or a colleague needs support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your manager or local HR leaders.”
Alegre also reminded employees that Activision’s Employee Assistance Program is an available option for anyone seeking emotional support during the continuing crisis in Ukraine. According to Activision, the company is constantly improving the employee benefits to make it as inclusive and innovative as possible.
How Activision Is Doubling Down on Donations
Activision Blizzard answered the call of duty by raising money as another part of its humanitarian relief efforts. “I also want to take a moment to recognize the incredible work of our teams to support the Ukrainian people,” wrote Alegre. “The company is matching employee donations 2-to-1 to organizations that are providing immediate relief in the region.”
The company and its employees have already raised over $300,000 to aid the Ukrainian people. “Next week, we plan to add additional charities to choose from for consideration and will also raise the company matching limit from $1,000 up to $10,000,” explained the Blizzard Activision COO.
He also recognized the work being done by the Activision team in Poland. “I’d like to applaud the tremendous contributions from our colleagues in Poland, where people have volunteered their time to assist Ukrainian refugees and others in need,” stated Alegre. “We stand with the Ukrainian people and will provide updates on any new actions we take as this crisis continues to unfold.”
Other Companies Boycotting Russia
Activision Blizzard isn’t the only major corporation taking a stand with Ukraine. Microsoft — which is in the process of acquiring Activision — and Epic Games have suspended their services in Russia, along with EA Games and Netflix.
According to a Microsoft blog post written by Brad Smith, the president, and vice-chair, the company is “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,” which is why it has suspended all new sales of Microsoft products and services in Russia.
“Our single most impactful area of work almost certainly is the protection of Ukraine’s cybersecurity. We continue to work proactively to help cybersecurity officials in Ukraine defend against Russian attacks, including most recently a cyberattack against a major Ukrainian broadcaster,” stated Smith.
Source: TG Daily – How Activision Blizzard Is Supporting the Ukrainian People