"Foreign Services Have Discredited Themselves." Russian Developers on Game Distribution

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Since the beginning of 2022, after February 24th, purchasing games in Russia has become significantly more difficult. The Steam platform limited the use of Russian bank cards, which has complicated access to games. Other major digital distribution services, such as the PS Store and Nintendo eShop, have suspended their operations in Russia. These changes have impacted the gaming market, limiting user access to video games and new releases. Players are forced to seek alternative ways to acquire content, which creates additional difficulties for gamers in Russia.

Russian developers continue to actively present their games to players. We contacted several of them to find out how their projects can be acquired in the current environment and whether there are alternatives to platforms like Steam.

Co-founder and lead game designer of Atom Team studio, author of the role-playing game Atom RPG, which Captivates players with its unique game world and gripping storyline. Atom RPG immerses users in a post-apocalyptic setting, where every choice matters and every action influences the future course of events. Thanks to its well-thought-out mechanics and engaging characters, the game has gained popularity among fans of the genre.

Atom Team games are available for purchase on all major platforms. You can find them on Google Play and the App Store, as well as on the digital distribution services of Nintendo, Sony, and Xbox. As for PC, our projects recently became available on the Epic Games Store, joining the existing Steam and GOG.com platforms, where they were previously available.

We currently have no plans to use other platforms to distribute our games. Unfortunately, there are no major official stores in Russia, unless you consider semi-legal methods of acquiring keys, for example, for Steam. We consider such methods unacceptable and hope the situation will improve in the future. For those players who wish to enjoy our games, we recommend considering using "alternative" licenses available on torrents. Currently, this is the only available option.

By losing players from Russia, we have lost a significant portion of the market, but there is no way to influence this situation. Making forecasts in the current environment is difficult, but we hope that by mid-summer the situation will change, and players from Russia will again be able to legally purchase games. At the same time, foreign services have drawn criticism for limiting their services in the Russian market, raising doubts about whether players will return to these platforms. It is important to keep in mind that restoring trust will take time and effort on the part of foreign companies.

In the near future, key sales services for Steam and other gaming platforms are expected to grow in popularity. However, this is only possible if Steam does not make life difficult for Russian developers by imposing bans on key generation. The only hope remains the creation of a new Russian platform similar to Steam, or an update to existing ones. The digital distribution service My.Games could become a worthy alternative to Steam under certain conditions. The question is whether My.Games will invest enough in the development of its platform, which we will be able to evaluate in the near future.

Co-founder and lead game designer of Atom Team studio, author of the role-playing game Atom RPG, which has a unique game world and a deep plot. Atom RPG combines classic RPG elements with modern mechanics, offering players an immersive experience and the ability to make meaningful decisions throughout the game.

Atom Team games are available for purchase on all major platforms, including Google Play and the App Store, as well as the digital stores of Nintendo, Sony, and Xbox. Our titles recently became available on the Epic Games Store for PC users, further expanding our selection alongside existing platforms such as Steam and GOG.com.

We currently have no plans to expand to other platforms. Unfortunately, there are no major online stores in Russia, excluding semi-legal methods for acquiring Steam keys. We consider these methods unacceptable and hope the situation will improve. Players wishing to play our games are advised to consider using alternative licenses via torrents, as no other options currently exist.

The loss of players from Russia has significantly impacted the market, but we have no control over this. Predicting the situation in the current environment is a complex and uncertain task. Nevertheless, we remain optimistic and hope that by mid-summer, Russian players will once again be able to legally purchase games. It's important to note that foreign services have damaged their reputations by restricting their services to the Russian market, and whether players will return to these platforms remains an open question.

Services selling keys for Steam and other gaming platforms are expected to grow in popularity in the near future, unless Steam makes decisions that make life difficult for Russian developers, such as banning key generation. I hope that a new platform similar to Steam will appear in Russia, or that existing ones will be updated. The digital distribution service My.Games has the potential to become a replacement for Steam, but whether the company is ready to invest in the development of this project will become obvious in the near future.

Co-founder of Four Quarters studio and one of the developers of the game Loop Hero. Four Quarters Studio is known for its unique games that blend strategy and adventure elements. The team's Loop Hero has gained popularity thanks to its original gameplay and engaging mechanics. Players are immersed in a world where they can build their own locations and make strategic decisions that influence the course of the game.

Currently, we haven't launched our games on new platforms, so everything remains the same. The most convenient way to purchase Loop Hero is through the Epic Games Store.

The future of the gaming industry remains uncertain, as such circumstances have never been seen before. We hope that the industry will quickly recover and return to its usual rhythm of work.

Co-founder of Four Quarters studio and one of the developers of the game Loop Hero. Four Quarters studio is known for its innovative approaches to game design and unique style. Loop Hero, one of their most popular titles, has captured the attention of players thanks to its original mechanics and captivating storyline.

Currently, we have not added our games to new platforms, and everything remains the same. To purchase Loop Hero, the easiest way is to purchase it through the Epic Games Store.

The future of the gaming industry remains uncertain, as circumstances like these have never been seen before. We hope that everything will return to normal soon.

PR and Brand Manager at 1C Entertainment is responsible for the formation and promotion of the brand image, as well as for strategic communications with the public. His responsibilities include developing and implementing PR campaigns aimed at increasing brand awareness and improving its reputation. This specialist interacts with the media, organizes events, and creates content for various platforms. The primary goal of the PR and Brand Manager is to establish strong connections with the audience, which facilitates sales growth and strengthens the company's market position. Effective brand management and communications enable 1C Entertainment to successfully compete in the video games and entertainment content industries. We offer a variety of channels for promoting games to Russian audiences. We recently launched key sales on our official platform, 1CGames.net. Our catalog features over 80 digital products for Steam, including full games and add-ons. We are constantly expanding our selection and plan to include products from other publishers in the future. All modern payment methods are available on our website, with no hidden fees or restrictions. We also collaborate with independent partners, such as Buka Shop, who sell our games on their platforms. Our team is actively promoting the new website through social media and other media to attract more customers and make our game catalog more accessible to a wider audience.

We don't disclose official sales figures, but I can say that the decline was not as significant as we might have expected. The situation remains fairly stable. Remember, our company is international and continues to successfully conduct business around the world. As for forecasts, no one can make them in the current circumstances. The world is changing rapidly, and making predictions is not the best solution. We will closely monitor the situation.

The situation in the Russian market remains stable, and we continue to operate in our usual format. Game distribution overall has not undergone significant changes. Although it has become slightly more difficult for players to access games, these difficulties are minor compared to the global events unfolding in the world. We are confident that despite the current challenges, interest in games will remain, and the industry will find ways to further develop.

PR and Brand Manager at 1C Entertainment is responsible for the formation and promotion of the company's brand. It's important to create a positive image that will foster recognition and trust in your products. Key responsibilities include developing PR strategies, engaging with the media, organizing events, and managing audience communications. Effective brand promotion requires a deep understanding of the market and target audience, which allows you to highlight the unique advantages of the company and its products. Successful PR and Brand Management at 1C Entertainment helps strengthen the company's market position and increase sales. We offer multiple channels for promoting our games to Russian audiences. We recently launched key sales on our official platform, 1CGames.net. Our catalog features over 80 digital products for Steam, including both full-fledged games and add-ons. We are constantly expanding our selection and plan to add products from other publishers in the future. Our website offers a variety of modern payment methods with no hidden fees or restrictions. We also have partners, such as Buka Shop, who also sell our games on their platforms. Our team is actively promoting the new website through social media and other media to attract more customers to our offerings.

We don't publish official sales figures, but I can share that the decline was not as significant as expected. The situation remains stable, and it's important to remember that our company has an international status and continues to actively operate in the global market. There are no forecasts for the future, as the world is changing very rapidly, and making predictions is impractical now. We will monitor developments.

In the Russian market, the gaming industry continues to operate as usual. The game distribution process has not undergone significant changes. Although it has become slightly more difficult for players to access games, these difficulties are inconsequential compared to the global events impacting the market. It is important to note that despite the current challenges, demand for games remains, and players continue to find ways to enjoy their favorite titles. The market is adapting to new conditions, and developers are looking for alternative ways to deliver content to their users.

Founder of Morteshka studio and creator of the game Black Book. Morteshka Studios is known for its unique projects that combine elements of Russian culture and folklore. Black Book is a captivating game that immerses players in a dark world based on Slavic myths and legends. The project has received acclaim for its original art style and deep storyline.

We offer games on popular platforms such as Steam, the App Store, and the Epic Games Store. Despite restrictions, users in Russia can still purchase games using various methods and tricks specific to each of these platforms.

We continue to explore new platforms, such as the digital distribution service My.Games, where our project "Moose Man" recently appeared. However, it is worth noting that Steam remains a difficult competitor in terms of sales volume. We are seeing a significant decline in sales, and there is reason to believe this is an issue affecting not only our team but also many developers whose audience includes Russian-speaking users.

Predicting the future of the Russian gaming industry in the current environment is extremely difficult. Game development remains a global industry, and the closure of payment systems in Russia is unlikely to stimulate growth in domestic game development. The industry was already in a difficult situation before the sanctions were imposed, further complicating its development prospects. It is necessary to take into account that for successful progress not only financial resources are needed, but also access to international markets, as well as opportunities for cooperation with foreign companies.

Founder of Morteshka studio and creator of the game Black Book. Morteshka is an independent game studio known for its unique projects and deep storylines. Their game, Black Book, is a gripping adventure that combines fantasy and horror elements. Morteshka's founder actively contributes to the development of the indie gaming industry, creating original concepts and immersive game worlds.

We offer a wide selection of games on well-known platforms: Steam, the App Store, and the Epic Games Store. Despite restrictions, purchasing games from Russia is still possible using special methods adapted to each platform.

We continue to explore new platforms, such as the digital distribution service My.Games, where we recently released the game "Moose Man." However, it must be acknowledged that it is difficult to compete with the Steam platform. Sales have declined significantly, and in my observations, this applies not only to our company but also to many other developers who previously had a significant Russian-speaking audience.

At this point, it is difficult to make forecasts. The video game industry has always been and remains global, so stopping payments in Russia is unlikely to contribute to the development of domestic game development. Even before the sanctions, the situation in this area left much to be desired.

A representative of a Russian indie studio is actively working on creating unique and creative projects in the field of video games. The studio's primary goal is to develop innovative content that captures the attention of both players and critics. The Russian indie scene is rapidly developing, and studios like these are making a significant contribution to the diversity of the gaming industry. The team focuses on high-quality graphics, original gameplay, and engaging stories, allowing them to stand out from major gaming companies. The success of Russian indie studios confirms their ability to create competitive products that resonate with a wide audience. While True: Learn() is a unique game that combines educational and entertaining elements. It immerses players in the world of programming and artificial intelligence, making the learning process engaging and interactive. In the game, you play as a developer creating algorithms to train a virtual pet, helping them understand the fundamental principles of coding and logic. With each difficulty level, players will face increasingly complex challenges, fostering analytical skills and creative thinking. While True: Learn() is suitable for both beginners and experienced programmers looking to improve their skills.

This game is not only entertaining but also serves as an excellent tool for learning the basics of programming and artificial intelligence. Immersive gameplay helps you better retain information and apply what you've learned.

We develop games for consoles and face certain challenges. However, all of these issues can be resolved by exiting the Russian market.

Console game sales in Russia remain flat, showing no significant changes. While the global situation is stable and demand for games remains strong, the Russian market continues to face challenges. Despite the absence of sanctions against individual banks, financial revenue remains low, negatively impacting overall performance.

It's difficult to predict the near future, but it's already clear that running a publishing business in Russia is becoming extremely difficult. Existing sanctions continue to have a significant impact on the industry, and their lifting is unlikely to be expected anytime soon. In such conditions, publishers need to adapt to new realities, finding alternative ways to do business and find an audience.

A representative of a Russian indie studio is actively working on creating unique and innovative games. Our team strives to bring fresh ideas to the gaming industry, combining original style and exciting gameplay. We focus on developing projects that will be interesting and engaging for a wide audience. Our goal is to create games that not only entertain but also leave a deep mark on players. The Russian indie scene is developing rapidly, and we are proud to be a part of this process, contributing to video game culture.

Image: While True: Learn() / Luden.io

While True: Learn() is a unique game that combines elements of programming and puzzles. Players will be immersed in a world where they will solve problems using logical chains and programming fundamentals. The game offers a fun approach to learning, allowing users to develop their skills and knowledge of technology.

As the game progresses, users encounter varying levels of difficulty, making learning not only effective but also interesting. Each level presents a new challenge, requiring creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. While True: Learn() is ideal for both beginners and experienced programmers looking to improve their skills.

Furthermore, the game promotes analytical skills and critical thinking, making it an excellent tool for self-education. While True: Learn() is becoming increasingly popular among students, teachers, and anyone interested in programming and technology.

We develop games for consoles. Despite the difficulties that have arisen, we are confident that all difficulties can be overcome by exiting the Russian market.

Sales of console games in Russia remain stable and show no decline. Currently, console games are not being purchased in the country, as before. The situation has not changed globally. However, despite the stability of sales, financial receipts to banks that are not subject to sanctions remain low.

Predicting the near future of the publishing business in Russia is extremely difficult. Currently, the situation is such that maintaining publishing operations is becoming impossible, and this situation will likely continue for a long time. Expectations of a quick lifting of sanctions also seem misplaced. Under the current circumstances, it is important for publishers to adapt to the new realities and seek alternative paths to development.

Some developers interviewed by the editors declined to comment on the current situation due to its uncertainty. A representative of Owlcat Games stated that predicting the future in these circumstances is impossible, as the reality is constantly changing. However, he emphasized that Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous can be easily purchased on the website of the studio's partner, Hobby Games.

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Games in Russia: Domestic Developers' Views on the Future of Russian Game Development

The Russian gaming industry is experiencing exciting times. Developers are actively discussing the future of game development in the country, considering current challenges and new opportunities. Amid a changing market and increasing interest in local projects, domestic studios are striving to create high-quality and innovative games that can compete on the international stage. Importantly, support for independent developers and increased investment in this field are facilitating the development of unique ideas and technologies. In the future, Russian game development has every chance of taking a significant place in the global gaming community, providing players with interesting and original projects.