Core Points - Lesta, a leading Russian gaming company, ranked 28th in the "Top 100 Russian Tech Companies" with a revenue of 35 billion rubles (approximately 3.164 billion RMB) in 2024, marking an 821.1% increase since its separation from Wargaming (WG) in 2022 [1][2][3] - Following the Ukraine conflict, WG withdrew from the Russian market, leading to Lesta's independence and subsequent operational success in the region [1][2][3] - However, Lesta's founders have been labeled as "extremists" by Russian authorities, resulting in the company's assets being temporarily transferred to the Russian government [5][6][15] Financial Performance - In 2024, Lesta reported a net profit of 16 billion rubles (approximately 1.446 billion RMB), reflecting significant growth compared to its financial status at the time of separation from WG [2] - The company's revenue growth is attributed to the popularity of its games, particularly "World of Tanks," which is considered a national game in the CIS region [2] Legal and Regulatory Issues - A Moscow court ruled on June 3, 2025, that Lesta's founders, Malik Khatazhaev and WG's CEO Viktor Kisly, would lose their rights to the company due to alleged support for anti-Russian policies [4][5][6] - The court's decision is seen as a means to control Lesta's assets under the guise of legal proceedings, with the company being prohibited from conducting business in Russia [6][15] Market Dynamics - The split between Lesta and WG has resulted in different operational strategies, with Lesta continuing to thrive in the Russian market while WG has faced significant losses, including a 30% drop in market share and a loss of over 250 million USD in revenue [44][46] - Lesta has maintained a strong presence in the gaming industry by offering unique content and benefits to its players, which has attracted both local and some international users [51][52] Public Perception and Response - Despite the legal challenges, Lesta has been perceived as a patriotic company, engaging in charitable activities and promoting Russian history through its games [19][21][24] - The IT community in Russia has expressed concern over the treatment of Lesta, with over 700 companies signing a letter to President Putin, suggesting that the accusations against Lesta may be a pretext for asset redistribution [55][56]