As rumored a few days ago, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mikhailo Fedorov (
Mykhailo Fedorov publicly sent documents to Microsoft, Sony, and Valve on Twitter, hoping that these three platforms can remove “Atomic Heart”.
Official requests to ban selling Atomic Heart game. I do believe neither of these businesses support bloody regime, murders or romanticizing communism. Brand new level of Russian digital propaganda – using gaming industry.@Sony @PlayStation @Microsoft @Xbox @valvesoftware @Steam pic.twitter.com/DpaNO57bZC
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) March 3, 2023
We previously reported that the Ukrainian government called for a ban on Atomic Heart because of the developer’s Russian background. The rationale held by the Ukrainian government is similar.
Mikhailo Fedorov stated that he believes that “Atomic Heart” is a digital propaganda that uses the game industry, and the above-mentioned three companies are companies that will not support bloody regimes, murder and communism. The document also pointed out that the theme of the game promotes communism and Soviet symbols (violating the laws of Ukraine), and it is also not in line with the direction of sanctions against Russia by Western democracies.
According to information obtained by the Ukrainian government, Mundfish, which developed Atomic Heart, is currently headquartered in Cyprus, but has management agencies and offices in Russia, so the proceeds from the sale of the work may be used for war funds. The letter also pointed out that Mundfish has not condemned the actions of the current Russian regime so far.
None of the three platforms have yet responded to the matter.