The European Union authorities plan to include PlayStation and Xbox consoles in the next package of sanctions against Russia. This was reported by the Financial Times, citing a statement from Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

According to Kallas, in Russia, consoles are used not only for gaming but also for controlling drones, hence their exports to the country need to be banned.

Representatives from Sony and Microsoft did not respond to the Financial Times' request for comment.

In a conversation with RBC, Yasha Haddaji, the head of the Russian Association of Video Game Distributors and Importers, noted that PlayStation and Xbox consoles are not manufactured in any EU countries.

"The gaming consoles imported to Russia do not even transit through the European Union, so this statement either demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the video game industry or is just another empty gesture," said Haddaji.

It's noteworthy that the official delivery and sales of PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch consoles in Russia ceased back in the spring of 2022. Since then, distributors have been bringing them in through parallel imports.

Source:

Financial Times

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