New mechanisms for regulating the video game industry are being actively developed in Russia. Regulators and market participants are discussing a strategy for the development of the industry, including a possible requirement that foreign games be distributed only through Russian publishers. Measures to combat counterfeiting and the determination of the agency responsible for the development of the industry are also being considered.
According to Kommersant's sources, representatives of the presidential administration, the Ministry of Digital Development, and game studios discussed the implementation of Vladimir Putin's order to create domestic production of game consoles at a meeting in mid-June. Among the proposals are the mandatory pre-installation of Russian VK app stores on smartphones, as well as the use of the Russian NAU Engine game engine from VK to receive state support.
Market participants note that by introducing mandatory distribution of foreign games through Russian publishers, the authorities aim to "localize" processes, but fear retaliatory measures from abroad.
This idea has been discussed by the authorities for a long time.
In parallel, the integration of game simulators into educational programs and the strengthening of the fight against counterfeit board games, the volume of which is estimated at 2 billion rubles annually, are being studied.
Earlier www1.ru reported that Rostelecom is working on creating its own video game store.
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