The world is looking on in horror as Russia launches attacks on Ukraine. Those who live in Kyiv woke up in the early hours of Thursday to explosions in the city, as Putin ordered attacks in several places across the country. As Ukraine braces itself for what its government describes as "full-scale war" from its neighbour, game developers based in the capital city are calling on the world to support their country against the attacks.
The teams of GSC Game World, 4A Games, Vostok Games, and Frogwares are speaking out on social media, spreading awareness and sharing ways in which allies can help. They all take a tough stance against Putin's actions, which has reportedly already resulted in the deaths of 40 Ukrainians, and disregards the country's sovereignty.
Frogwares, developer behind The Sinking City, has told its fans that the team is "trying to stay safe", but added that "this is war, there are no two ways about it". They continue, condemning Putin's actions, "We can't just stand by. Russia attacks our homeland and denies the sovereignty of Ukraine."
GSC Game World, the team currently working on Stalker 2, also made a statement later today.
"As of today, the Russian Federation has officially declared war on Ukraine. Our country woke up with the sounds of explosions and weapons fire", the update reads. "Through pain, death, war, fear and inhuman cruelty, Ukraine will persevere. As it always does."
As reported by Game Pressure, the Ukrainian esports scene is also speaking out. Esports club Natus Vincere issued its own statement this morning.
"It is impossible that during this war we pretend that everything is okay. It is not. We are devastated", says the team. "Our main goal right now is to try to stay calm and take care of ourselves, our loved ones and those who need help. We are all together in this. And together we'll get through it."
CS:GO player s1mple left a brief, but tragic message: "Please, please, stop, I can't do this anymore, we all need peace." Living in Kyiv, he later tweeted about the explosions.
For more information on the conflict, and for ways in which you can help the people of Ukraine, you can view the resources put together here.