The Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology (Rosstandart) in January 2026 refuted rumors about the creation of a state standard (GOST) for video games. The agency stated that the current version of the document does not imply the extension of the standard to the classification of games. Instead, it is possible to create a classification of video games, similar to other gaming products.
This issue is still debatable, and there is no specific GOST for the classification of video games today. But I will emphasize once again that this is a GOST not for video games, but for their classification.
In June 2025, Anatoly Vyborny, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Security, stated that developers of video games containing provocative materials should be held responsible. The deputy pointed to the threat associated with anti-Russian propaganda through games.
Through gaming content, enemies incite Russophobia, imposing cruelty, their stereotypes, including the idea that Nazism is good.
After that, in October 2025, Anastasia Kavrusova, Deputy Head of the Standardization Department of Rosstandart, announced an initiative to create a GOST for the classification of video games and toys depicting movie characters.
The industry expressed surprise
The Association of Video Game Developers (APRIORI) expressed surprise at the information about the GOST for video games, stating that it learned about it only through the media. Alexander Mikheev, CEO of APRIORI, noted that Russia already has legislation regulating the labeling of most information products.
The purpose of creating a separate GOST that duplicates existing norms and the industry's initiative for additional voluntary labeling of video games is unclear.
Vladimir Varenik, CEO of Mensa VR studio, expressed concerns about who will participate in the discussion and development of classification criteria, given the uniqueness of video games as creative products.
Anton Gorelkin, First Deputy Chairman of the Information Committee of the State Duma, previously confirmed in his blog that the information about the creation of a GOST is not true.
The letter states that the current version of the document does not provide for the extension of the standard to the classification of video games. Apparently, the GOST will only apply to children's toys.
He explained that he had sent a request to Rosstandart.