The gaming industry in Russia is facing a significant upheaval following the arrest of assets belonging to Lesta Games, a prominent developer known for its popular titles such as World of Tanks and World of Warships. On April 17, 2025, the Tagansky District Court of Moscow imposed an arrest on three main legal entities of the company: Lesta LLC, Lesta Games Moscow LLC, and Lesta Games Edzhensi LLC. This action was taken at the request of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation, although the specific reasons for the arrest have not been disclosed.
Lesta Games, which has been a key player in the gaming sector since its inception in 1991, reported a record revenue of 35 billion rubles for 2024, with a net profit of around 16 billion rubles. These figures marked the highest performance in the company's history, showcasing its significant role in the Russian gaming market. The company's products had a combined monthly active user base of 6.5 million, underscoring its popularity among gamers.
In a statement released on their Telegram channel, Lesta Games addressed the situation, asserting that the management is fully aware of the developments and is actively working to resolve the issue. "We are operating in full compliance with the laws of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, therefore, we have no grounds for any concerns or concealment of information. We have not violated anything and have nothing to fear," the company stated. They emphasized that all business operations continue as usual, and they are cooperating with law enforcement to expedite the resolution of any questions that may arise.
This legal action against Lesta Games is unprecedented in the Russian gaming industry, which has seen various companies face scrutiny but rarely at such a high level. Experts suggest that Lesta Games is among the top five largest gaming companies in Russia, making this situation particularly noteworthy. Konstantin Sakhnov, founder of Vengeance Games and a lecturer at the Higher School of Business at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, commented on the gravity of the situation, stating, "This is an unprecedented situation for the Russian game developer. Of course, we have had different cases against gaming companies, but Lesta is a very large level, and we have not yet seen accusations against companies of this stature."
Previously, Lesta Games operated under the umbrella of Wargaming, a Cyprus-based company known for its multiplayer online games. Following the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, Wargaming withdrew from the Russian and Belarusian markets, transferring its business operations to Lesta Games, which subsequently rebranded its titles for the local market. The games World of Tanks and World of Warships were renamed to Mir Tankov and Mir Korabley, respectively, to cater to Russian players.
In a notable shift, Malik Khatazhaev, the founder of Lesta Games, became the primary beneficiary of the company after a series of ownership changes. Originally, 99% of Lesta Games was owned by Lesta Hong Kong Limited, but Khatazhaev regained control in October 2024. This move was part of a strategic plan to prioritize the Russian market, which the company views as a key area for growth.
Despite the legal challenges, Lesta Games has maintained a focus on its development projects, including an unannounced AAA game. The company has expressed its commitment to continue operating within the legal framework and fulfilling all existing agreements. The arrest of their assets, while serious, has not halted their ongoing projects or partnerships.
The situation has raised eyebrows across the gaming community, with many watching closely to see how it unfolds. The implications of this case could resonate beyond Lesta Games, potentially impacting other companies within the industry. The gaming sector in Russia has already been navigating a challenging landscape due to sanctions and geopolitical tensions, making this development particularly critical.
As Lesta Games works to address the legal issues at hand, the broader implications for the Russian gaming industry remain to be seen. Will this lead to increased scrutiny of other gaming companies, or will it serve as a cautionary tale for businesses operating in a complex and rapidly changing environment? Only time will tell how this situation will evolve and what it will mean for the future of gaming in Russia.
