Factorio Developer Wube Software is facing a backlash over a temporary twenty-fold increase in the price of the game in Russia, which some have seen as a political stunt.

The Factorio the price in Russia has long been £7.70 (₽520). However, on July 14, the price suddenly increased to £147.99 (₽10,000). This price increase occurred without notice or acknowledgment from Wube Software.

There was an immediate reaction from players after the price hike. Whereas FactorioOverall Steam reviews remain “overwhelmingly positive”, we can see a sharp drop at the time of the price increase, with more than 900 negative reviews arriving on July 15th.

One user wrote, “While the game is awesome, the devs behavior and public statements are at least questionable. I strongly believe that game developers should make games instead of getting into politics. There you go, your honest review for 10,000 rubles.

Another compared the price increase for Russian players to racism. “Raising the price of this game x20 just for the Russian region is just blatant racism. Bringing politics into the gaming world is the worst thing developers can do and [they] should be ashamed of themselves. I’ve always tried to bring more of my friends into this amazing game, basically bringing money to the developers to let them thrive, but to see this dastardly move on their part is just disgusting. Start the game in [the] trash can. Not recommended.”

The pricing issue was quickly rectified when it was reduced to £14.80 (₽1,000) the following day. The initial increase may be due to entering too many zeros.

Czech developer Wube Software has already expressed support for Ukraine. In a blog post on his website, Wube wrote in support of the Ukrainians along with a photo of the Czech National Museum, scarred by bullets from the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968.

Wube Software has yet to publicly comment on the price increase.

In other news, Ring of Elden is still a bestseller more than five months after its release.