Russian authorities are discussing the creation of a domestic game console

Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Vasily Shpak told the TASS news agency that negotiations are underway to develop a domestic game console. According to the official, this is a complex project that may involve not only the Ministry of Digital Development and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, but also the Ministry of Culture with the Ministry of Education.

We are discussing the possibility of creating a Russian game console, communicating with industry experts and gathering information about the resources needed to create it. The President has given us a task, and we are fulfilling it. It is important that there is something to play on this console. This is a parallel process.

Shpak believes that games are one of the tools of state policy in the education of young people. Russia is interested in developing its own games and cooperation with developers from friendly countries. However, the deputy minister noted that due to sanctions, many foreign games will not be compatible with the domestic console.

In late February 2024, the Video Game Industry Development Organization (VDI) announced plans to create a domestic game console to distribute games from Russian companies. The console is expected to be released between 2026 and 2027. Shortly thereafter, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the Government to consider the production of stationary and portable consoles.