Pokemon Go downloads and gameplay suspended in Russia

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Niantic is the latest developer to speak out in support of Ukraine

Pokemon Go Mega Venusaur
(Image credit: Niantic)

Pokemon Go downloads have been suspended in Russia and Belarus, and gameplay will be halted too.

Earlier today on March 11, Pokemon Go developer Niantic announced that it had already halted downloads for the mobile game throughout Russia and Belarus. Additionally, Niantic announced that gameplay for Pokemon Go would also be suspended at some point in the near future, though it's not entirely clear what the timeline for that change will be.

Niantic's statement is explicitly in support of Ukraine in the face of the ongoing Russian invasion. The company is the latest to suspend downloads of their game in both Belarus and Russia, as last week, Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 developer CD Projekt announced that they'd be suspending not only all digital sales of the two games throughout the two nations, but also the GOG storefront. 

Not a day later, Gran Turismo 7 was quietly pulled from sale for Russian customers on the PlayStation Network. Unlike CD Projekt and Niantic however, Sony never formally stated that they'd be suspending sales of the new racing game throughout Russia, but a few days later, the company officially suspended all game and hardware sales throughout Russia. Nintendo has also suspended all shipments to Russia, citing logistical "volatility." 

If you want to help the people of Ukraine, consider donating to The Ukrainian Red Cross, which is providing vital aid on the ground; Doctors Without Borders, which is working with local volunteers and healthcare professionals; and The Kyiv Independent, a Ukraine-based English-language newspaper which is keeping the world informed on what's happening on the ground.

Hirun Cryer
Hirun Cryer
Freelance Writer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.