News reports in Poland and beyond indicate that 1C Entertainment, a game publisher once under Tencent’s umbrella, has begun winding down its presence in Russia. This shift comes after the February acquisition, and it signals a broader drawdown in cross-border game development activity that previously helped shape beloved titles such as King’s Bounty, IL-2: Sturmovik, and Space Rangers. The move is part of a larger recalibration of the company’s operational footprint in Europe and Asia, with strategic implications for ongoing and planned projects across the region.
The workplace changes are described as a move to relocate Russian staff to Poland so they can continue their work on current and future projects. If employees decline the relocation, the reports suggest they may face termination, along with the cessation of salaries and benefits tied to their roles. The impact appears to be felt most acutely within teams previously responsible for operations surrounding Soul Dance Party and the King’s Bounty 2 franchise. Inside sources say preparations for a next-gen King’s Bounty 2 experience and its accompanying downloadable content were paused as part of the shift in priorities and resource allocation, with leadership weighing options to sustain development under new regional realities.
There is broader context here as well. Earlier moves by Wargaming, a studio renowned for creating World of Tanks, illustrate how publishers adjust to a changing global market while balancing the needs of players, staff, and investors. In related gamer culture moments, anecdotes about skillful play appear from time to time, including tales around Elden Ring that highlight how players adapt to challenges and control schemes, whether using traditional inputs or creative accessibility approaches. These narratives underscore the resilience and adaptability that define the modern game industry as firms reconfigure their teams and project roadmaps in response to geopolitical and economic shifts, while communities continue to pursue new adventures and renewed experiences across platforms and genres.