Crimean Accounts Suspended, Steep Price Increases in Russia

Crimean gamers woke up to find that Battle.net has suspended accounts as a result of Western-backed sanctions against Russia implemented to try to stop tensions between Russia and the Ukraine. Crimean players no longer have access to Heroes of the Storm, World of Warcraft, Starcraft II, Hearthstone, and Diablo III. While World of Warcraft has been blocked in Crimea for several months, Battle.net had remained open for Blizzard's other titles.

"In accordance with current trade regulations relating to the region of Crimea, we are legally required to suspend access to your Battle.net account," the company's notice read, Geektimes.ru reported.

In addition to, but seemingly unrelated to the cut off of Battle.net services mentioned above, the Russian community will see a steep increase in the cost of all Blizzard products. For instance, the WoW Battle Chest (base game and all expansions through Pandaria) will rise from 359 Rubles ($6.67 USD) to 549 Rubles ($10.20 USD) with similar increases for all Blizzard products and services across the board.

At this time, subscription prices for World of Warcraft will remain unchanged.

Price increases for gaming-related products have been rising in the past several months as the Ruble has fallen off against Western currencies and as pressure to implement sanctions has mounted.

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