Russia’s video game strategy revealed, 01/10/2026

October 1, 2026 - 07:22

Russia has published its first formal strategy for the video game industry, and the document reveals how hard it is for the sector to operate outside the reach of the Kremlin. The plan was released by the Russian Video Game Trade Association, now known as VIDO, at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. It followed months of consultation with developers, investors and government bodies.

The strategy sets two phases. The first aims to reorganize the sector and its policy landscape for growth from 2030. The second targets a place among the seven largest game markets in the world by 2035. To get there, VIDO calls for more investment, tax breaks for investors, funding for startups and support for exporting games abroad. It also asks for a stronger voice in policy talks, specialized education programs and a push to present games as a positive part of Russian culture.

Some requests are local in nature. VIDO wants tougher penalties for piracy, action against cheating and lower prices for players cut off from international payment systems. It even proposes a national monument to Tetris.

The trouble lies in the company the strategy keeps. It praises the Internet Development Institute, which the UK has sanctioned over attempts to destabilize Ukraine, and seeks closer ties with Gazprom and Rosneft. It also treats international goodwill as a goal, even as the country's reputation suffers from its war on Ukraine.

The plan reads like a genuine industry wish list. It also shows a sector trying to grow while tied to the state, whether it likes it or not.