The development company STALKER and “Cossacks” was declared “undesirable”: what will happen to games in Russia now

Is it dangerous to have games on your Steam account or other platforms?

This should not be considered either financing an “undesirable” organization or participating in its activities.

Is it possible to buy extra? extensions on marketplaces?

Yes, because you are not purchasing from the development company. By law, only a purchase directly from GSC Game World can be considered financing an “undesirable” organization (Part 2 of Article 284.1 of the Criminal Code).

But just in case, we recommend setting up receipts from Steam and other marketplaces to be sent to a non-Russian domain email and not posting about purchasing GSC Game World games.

How can they track that I have the game?

If you write about it yourself on social networks or chats, tell the security forces about it, or they will gain access to your devices or accounts.

However, having the game on devices and playing it is not prohibited. Problems may arise if, after adding the developer to the list of “undesirable” organizations , you bought something from him directly, for example from a foreign bank card, and the security forces find out about this.

Is it possible to discuss the game in chats and publics?

This is not prohibited. The law does not restrict participation in chats or fan publics.

Is it possible to share materials from the game?

There is no clear answer to this question. On the one hand, the company that developed the game was considered undesirable, and not the game itself. Therefore, sharing game materials is not formally prohibited. On the other hand, if you send screenshots or messages built into the game in chats or public pages to other participants, security forces may consider this to be participation in the activities of an “undesirable” organization, namely the distribution of its materials (Article 20.33 of the Administrative Code). We do not know how practice will develop, but such a risk cannot be ruled out.

Is it possible to stream?

There is a risk that the stream will be considered participation in the activities of an “undesirable” organization (Article 20.33 of the Administrative Code). Although the games themselves are not formally prohibited, it is impossible to predict how the law enforcement officer will behave.

You shouldn't be held accountable for old streams, but if you're worried, you can delete them.

If you praise a game, can you be punished for it?

If you post links to the developer’s website or display its logo, the review may be considered participation in the activities of an “undesirable” organization (Article 20.33 of the Administrative Code).

If you tell your friends about the game or praise it in the comments without links, logos or screenshots, there should be no problems.

Can we mention the developers?

Yes. You can mention developers without special notes.

Can a developer of modifications for a game be punished?

If you are not connected in any way with the development company and do not receive money from it, you should not be punished for developing modifications.