World of Tanks developer Wargaming has rerouted company resources to support over 550 developers at its Kyiv studio as the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its sixth day.
Persha Studia was originally founded in 2000. It became Wargaming Kyiv in 2011 following its acquisition by Wargaming. The studio is the primary development hub of the
F2P multiplayer title World of Warplanes. The company is currently helping staff in Kyiv find alternate housing, and sending early salary payments. It’s also ensuring any travel and relocation efforts are paid for should staff need to evacuate quickly.
Wargaming is throwing its support behind the Kyiv studio in a moment of political treachery. The company’s largest development hub is in Minsk, the capital of neighbouring Belarus. Belarus, which has served as a staging platform for the Russian war effort, now
seemingly moves to send troops to aid Russian forces. Wargaming joins a chorus of Belarusian voices and businesses strongly opposing its leadership’s decision to ally with the Kremlin.
In addition to ensuring its staff make it through the crisis, Wargaming is also donating US $1 million (A$1,377,724) in the studio’s name to the Ukrainian Red Cross.