Unbeknownst to many, Nintendo does indeed have a branch in Russia, and apparently, all is not well there. Russian Nintendo fans have been unhappy with how Nintendo of Russia has been handling business and the company’s products, with the latest development in this saga being a livestream gone awry, where CEO Yasha Haddaji had what many characterize as a meltdown towards his employees.
AYouTube videoshared onRedditandResetEraattempts to paint a full picture of the dire state of Nintendo of Russia. Asanother Reddit threadfrom this morning also describes, Russian fans have been displeased with the lack of localized titles—whileThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,Splatoon 2,ARMS, andMariogames have been translated, the thread states that nothing else after has been localized.
Additionally, Nintendo of Russia dropped support of the Pokémon trading card game and has not met the demand forPokémon: Let’s Go Eevee!, with the company reported to have over-ordered thePikachuedition instead.
During a livestream on Russian social media website VK, Nintendo of Russia held a regular event called “Level Up Days,” with the recent stream in question hosting aMario Kart 8 Deluxetournament. After technical difficulties, Nintendo of Russia boss Yasha Haddaji is seen in the background, expressing anger towards the co-hosts about the apparent lack of promotion for the event. This is followed by confusion about whether or not the stream was live (it was). Haddaji uses expletives and a particular mental illness slur throughout the exchange.
As of the time of this writing,a Change.org petitioncalling for Haddaji’s removal is nearing 1,700 online signatures.
PerEurogamer, Nintendo of Russia was established in 2012, with one of Haddaji’s goals (as of 2014) being to increase low sales of products such as the 3DS in the region. What this recent saga and uproar have demonstrated, however, is a lack of professionalism and proper management from the division. The company at large has yet to respond or take action.
