Blizzard Caught Up In US Sanctions Drama, Forced To Block Battle.net Access In Crimea
Blizzard appears to have ended access to its games in Crimea, effectively blocking gamers there from playing Diablo III, World of Warcraft, StarCraft II, and other blizzard games. It’s just one of several U.S. companies that have exited the region recently. Others include Apple and Blizzard’s competitor, Valve.
“You are receiving this email because, in accordance with current trade regulations relating to the region of Crimea, we are legally required to suspend access to your Battle.net account,” states a letter that appears to be from Blizzard, translated by Geektimes.ru. “Any recurring subscription payment will be canceled.”
The move is the result of an executive order President Barack Obama signed last year. The order restricts business activity in Crimea and is in response to the struggle that has consumed Russia and the Ukraine for more than a year. The true weight of the sanctions comes in the form of necessary goods and financial transactions that have been blocked by the order; blocked video games are probably just collateral damage.
“You are receiving this email because, in accordance with current trade regulations relating to the region of Crimea, we are legally required to suspend access to your Battle.net account,” states a letter that appears to be from Blizzard, translated by Geektimes.ru. “Any recurring subscription payment will be canceled.”
Image credit: Blizzard
The move is the result of an executive order President Barack Obama signed last year. The order restricts business activity in Crimea and is in response to the struggle that has consumed Russia and the Ukraine for more than a year. The true weight of the sanctions comes in the form of necessary goods and financial transactions that have been blocked by the order; blocked video games are probably just collateral damage.
