In a bold move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a mandate to produce Russian video game consoles in order to compete with the likes of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. This ambitious order, handed down from the Kremlin, tasks major Russian tech company VK Group and GS Group with the production of both stationary and portable game consoles for Russian consumers by June 15, 2024. This marks a significant shift in Russia’s efforts to establish its presence in the video game industry, amidst strained relations with other countries due to recent geopolitical events.
The VK Group, known for its social media service VK, will play a key role in the development and production of Russian game consoles alongside GS Group, the largest Russian developer of set-top boxes. This initiative includes the creation of an operating system and cloud system for delivering games and programs to users, with a tight deadline of mid-June this year. Analysts have expressed skepticism about Russia’s ability to develop consoles comparable to PlayStation and Xbox in such a short timeframe, suggesting that it may take up to ten years to build the necessary competence and infrastructure.
Despite facing obstacles and skepticism, Russia is pushing forward with its plan to establish a homegrown games industry. This effort comes after previous attempts to enter the video game market, including efforts to penetrate gaming communities and develop their own game engine. As Russia works to offset financial hardships resulting from international sanctions, the success of this new initiative remains uncertain but signifies a determined effort to make a mark in the global gaming landscape.
