Expanding Game Plan for Russia's Video Game Industry
In a recent development, a meeting was held to discuss the future of the video game industry in Russia, with key figures such as Vladimir Varennik, managing partner of the Indie Go Start fund, and Sergey Kuchushev, Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, in attendance.
The discussion revolved around a long-term strategy for the industry, which is centred on fostering creative industries as engines of economic growth. This strategy emphasises empowering entrepreneurs, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and expanding international collaboration, particularly through hubs like Moscow.
Moscow's Creative Industries Agency, led by Gulnara Agamova, is spearheading this initiative. The agency supports video gaming as one of ten core creative sectors, providing financial and infrastructural support, promoting international partnerships, and improving the overall service quality for SMEs in this space.
The strategy also focuses on encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation within the video game sector, aiming to generate employment and economic growth. This involves comprehensive support mechanisms, from funding to global promotion and infrastructure development.
International collaboration and investment are also crucial components of the strategy. Moscow and Russian authorities are actively seeking partnerships, such as with countries in the Arab world, to facilitate knowledge exchange and investment in the creative and gaming industries.
In terms of market development, Russian authorities, along with industry representatives, are discussing and shaping the domestic market's development strategy. This includes considerations on restrictions regarding the publication of foreign games, which implies a push for stronger local industry presence and market protection.
A pilot project to integrate domestic gaming simulators into the educational process is being considered as well. This project could potentially stimulate the development of next-generation games and increase young people's interest in academic subjects.
The meeting assigned market players to prepare specific proposals for key strategic directions by the next meeting. The feasibility of mandatory cooperation between foreign companies and Russian partners, including local publishers and studios, when entering the Russian market is also being assessed.
However, the issue of regulatory pressure and potential increases in bureaucratic barriers is controversial and requires careful consideration. The fight against counterfeiting and the development of educational potential in games are widely supported by professionals.
Alexander Mikheyev, head of the Association of Professionals in the Operation and Development of the Gaming Industry (APRIORI), was also present at the meeting. The domestic market generally believes that the authorities have a serious focus on active localization of production and effective distribution of gaming content.
This multi-faceted strategy combines creative empowerment, market expansion, regulatory shaping, and global partnership to develop Russia's video game industry into a robust, sustainable sector. While explicit official documents detailing the entire national strategy are not yet available, the information from Moscow’s government and ongoing federal discussions indicate a strategic focus on creative industry growth, SME empowerment, international collaboration, and market regulation as the primary directions for Russia's video game industry development.
"What about the role of technology in this strategy for the video game industry in Russia?"
"Perhaps consider the integration of advanced gadgets and technology in the development of next-generation games, as a way to stimulate growth and foster innovation within the sector."
