The Tagansky Court in Moscow has banned the activities of Lesta Games, the publisher known for World of Tanks and World of Warships in Russia. The court’s decision follows a claim from the Deputy Prosecutor General, alleging extremist activities and seeking the transfer of Lesta’s assets to state revenue.

The Prosecutor General’s Office had previously requested the ban, citing the owners, Viktor Kisly and Malik Khatazhaev, for allegedly supporting the Ukrainian armed forces. The court has ordered the conversion of 100% of Lesta’s shares in Russian legal entities to state revenue.

Lesta has responded by releasing photos showcasing gratitude from Russian army unit commanders to Khatazhaev for his support in the “Special Military Operation” (SMO). The company also highlighted its patriotic projects, including the “They Speak SMOi” film series, aimed at preserving the stories of individuals involved in the conflict.

Legal experts suggest the future of Lesta’s operations and the implications for players depend on the specifics of the court’s decision and whether criminal cases will be pursued. Alexei Koitov, Chairman of the Union of Consumers of Russia, stated that past in-game purchases should not have consequences for gamers, as they were made with a Russian company before any extremist designation.

Anton Gorelkin, the first deputy chairman of the IT committee of the State Duma, noted that an appeal is expected. Gorelkin assured users of World of Tanks, World of Warships, and other Lesta Games products that they will not be accused of supporting extremism for their in-game purchases.

The court decision reportedly does not apply to players of the games or Lesta’s business partners. Lesta was founded in 1991 and became part of Wargaming in 2011. In 2022, Wargaming transferred its Russian and Belarusian assets to Lesta.