Niantic has announced that they are disabling downloads of all Niantic games in Russia and Belarus, effective immediately. Gameplay will also be suspended there shortly, following the download ban.
Niantic, like many other US based companies, stand in support of “peace and a rapid resolution to the violence and suffering in Ukraine”, but apparently so is The Pokémon Company International.
Niantic and TPCI recently donated $200,000 each to support Ukraine relief efforts, which was followed by a $75,000 donation led by Niantic employees.
On the same day, TPCI shared a statement on their official media and press website, reminding the press of their $200,000 donation to GlobalGiving:
The growing crisis in Ukraine and Eastern Europe, which continues to cause the displacement of families and threaten the safety of children, is heartbreaking. The Pokémon Company International is making an immediate donation of $200,000 USD to our partners at GlobalGiving to provide humanitarian relief. The nonprofit will efficiently direct the funds to community-led organizations supporting families and children affected by the crisis. To learn more, please visit GlobalGiving.org.
The player base has had a mixed reaction, as most players felt confused as to how and why this change will affect the war in Ukraine.
Some have suggested setting up an in-game fund for enabling players around the globe to purchase items to support Ukraine.
Sure, a global fund taps into Pokémon GO’s global reach, but is this really the way to go? How would we know where the money is going and what if it ends up buying arms and not in charitable foundations?
In any case, Niantic’s move is a clear indicator that they want to help get the Russian people angry at their government.
We’ll keep you updated on any developments.
What about Pachirisu?
Pachirisu
Pachirisu is a Pokémon that’s only available in the Arctic Hemisphere Regions (parts of Canada, Alaska, and Russia).
The Russian gameplay ban will prevent Pachirisu from spawning there, but it will still be available in Canada and Alaska.
