Russia, while not traditionally recognized for its impact on the video game industry, notably birthed one of the most iconic games of all time: Tetris. However, the country is now eyeing a significant expansion into the gaming market by exploring the development of its own video game consoles. With aspirations to rival established giants such as Xbox and PlayStation, Russia is poised to potentially introduce innovative gaming hardware that could reshape the industry landscape.
According to TweakTown, it has been reported that the components for these upcoming consoles have allegedly been ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin himself. Putin has instructed his government to explore the necessary steps for the production of both a Russian-made console and a portable handheld to commence.
The video game industry is experiencing an unprecedented surge in growth. According to statistics from 2024, the retail gaming revenue in the United States soared to an impressive $5.07 billion. This remarkable success is further amplified by the widespread popularity of games across various regions, serving as a source of inspiration and entertainment for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Notably, in 2021, Russia emerged as a significant player in the gaming industry, with nearly 79 percent of its internet users actively participating in online gaming activities during the third quarter of the year. The recent increase in gaming engagement emphasizes the popularity of gaming among Russian players.
The gaming market in Russia has rapidly declined following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Many game publishers, including Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, have suspended their operations in the country.
Despite the complex situation, local Russians are still finding ways to import foreign video game consoles. A 2023 survey found that a significant majority of Russian gamers are resorting to piracy for their gaming fix as legitimate access to foreign games dwindled.