SCS Software has shelved its upcoming Heart of Russia DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2 after Ukraine was invaded by Russia.
The Czech studio said the add-on was weeks away from completion when Russia started waging war on Ukraine, leaving the company questioning whether it should release or even complete work on the expansion.
Although SCS said it strives to be as “apolitical as possible” when developing its games, the studio ultimately decided it couldn’t in good conscience release the DLC “with so many people suffering” in Ukraine.
“We [have] decided to refrain from releasing the DLC so that it is not perceived in any way as being in support of or tolerance of the aggression,” added the studio.
“We strongly believe that there is hope for the proud people of Ukraine to prevail and for the suffering to end for all. Injustice cannot and must not win. And, when the time comes for Ukraine to rebuild and heal, then we will endeavour to find a way for our Heart of Russia DLC to play whatever part it can in that healing process, for everyone.”
SCS also praised those players who purchased its charity Ukrainian Paint Jobs Pack DLC for helping to raise money for Ukrainians affected by the war.
The studio said that over 85,000 players contributed by purchasing the add-on. SCS also noted that it has personally donated to several charities providing humanitarian aid within Ukraine.