Ukraine appears poised to instruct digital platforms and console makers to block access to the video game Atomic Heart within its borders. The plan, discussed publicly by policy figures and reported by multiple outlets, targets Valve’s Steam service as well as Microsoft’s Xbox and Sony’s PlayStation ecosystems. The assertion came from Oleksandr Bornyakov, who serves as deputy head of Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation. The stance was reported by dev.ua and echoed across Ukrainian media circles.
According to Bornyakov, the goal is to prevent distribution abroad due to concerns about the game’s content, the potential for collecting user data, and the risk of data being shared with third parties in Russia. He stressed that the decision centers on protecting users and safeguarding national interests in the digital space.
The official highlighted that the funding for Atomic Heart originated from Russian companies and banks that are under international sanctions. This financial connection, he argued, complicates the game’s international footprint and raises questions about entanglements with sanctioned entities. The ministry’s call is framed as a precautionary measure in light of these financial ties and the geopolitical context.
Additionally, Bornyakov noted that the Ukrainian Digital Transformation Ministry urged the game developers, Mundfish, to publicly clarify their position regarding the Russian authorities. The absence of a clear public statement from Mundfish was presented as a factor in the ministry’s decision to pursue a broader stance on distribution within Ukraine and potential implications for overseas markets.
Previous coverage from socialbites.ca pointed to a broader narrative around Atomic Heart, describing the game as a mix of confrontations with robotic enemies and other hazards. The review process, as outlined by socialbites.ca, suggested there are both strengths and weaknesses in Mundfish’s debut shooter. Readers are directed to the site for a detailed assessment and a nuanced discussion of gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and technical performance. Marked citations accompany these insights for attribution and context.