Earlier this week, reports emerged that the EA app and Origin now accept YooMoney as a payment option once again. The change marks a reversal of a temporary halt that was put in place after the Central Bank of the Russian Federation requested limitations on certain payments. In the wake of that decision, players in Russia faced obstacles when trying to purchase games or software from EA’s platforms. The company confirmed that YooMoney payments are now functioning again, restoring a path to purchases for Russian users and reestablishing a familiar checkout flow on both the EA app and Origin.
In addition to restoring standard purchases, EA indicated that refunds paid for via YooMoney can be processed, though users are advised to reach out directly to EA to initiate a refund for transactions completed with YooMoney. The process appears to require direct communication with EA support to verify eligibility and complete the refund, aligning with the company’s broader refund policies for this payment method.
Despite the restart, some payment attempts have still encountered issues. An EA Community Manager clarified that the article reflecting YooMoney’s reinstatement may have been updated automatically based on an older announcement tied to a rebranding effort. Specifically, EA Desktop’s rebranding to EA App prompted content updates that did not always reflect current payment backend status in real time. This nuance helps explain occasional inconsistencies observed by users during the transition period.
As a result, for the time being, Russian customers may experience intermittent limitations when attempting to complete purchases on EA platforms. While YooMoney is operational again, variations in regional payment processing and regulatory responses can influence the availability of certain payment methods in specific markets. The situation underscores how payment methods can be affected by regulatory changes, platform branding updates, and regional financial policies, even for a global publisher and its services.
For readers seeking context, EA has historically adjusted payment options in response to external requirements and market conditions. This latest development illustrates the ongoing balance between providing a seamless purchasing experience and adhering to evolving financial regulations. The reinstatement of YooMoney support signals EA’s intent to maintain diverse payment choices for its user base while navigating the complexities of cross-border transactions and regulatory compliance. (VG Times)”