Moscow, Russia – In a bold move to expand Russia’s presence in the video game industry, President Vladimir Putin has issued a mandate to produce Russian video game consoles to rival the popular PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. This directive comes as the latest effort to establish a competitive foothold in the global gaming market.
According to reports from Russian newspaper Kommersant, the Kremlin has instructed major tech company VK Group to spearhead the production of both stationary and portable game consoles in collaboration with GS Group, the largest Russian developer of set-top boxes. This ambitious project aims to deliver home and portable consoles to Russian consumers by June 15, 2024.
This initiative marks a significant shift for Russia, which has previously attempted to enter the gaming industry by penetrating gaming communities and exploring the development of its own game engine. The country’s move to establish its own games industry is seen as a strategic response to international sanctions imposed in the wake of the Ukraine invasion.
In addition to manufacturing consoles, the developers have been tasked with creating an operating system and cloud system for delivering games and programs to users. However, analysts have raised concerns about Russia’s ability to compete with established console manufacturers like Sony and Microsoft, suggesting that developing a competitive system from scratch could take up to a decade.
The timeline for Russia’s entry into the gaming market is ambitious, with deadlines set for the middle of June. Despite challenges ahead, the government is determined to establish a strong presence in the industry and mitigate the financial impact of international sanctions.
Overall, Russia’s push to develop its own video game consoles represents a bold step towards achieving technological independence and reshaping the global gaming landscape. Time will tell if the country’s ambitious goals can be realized in the competitive world of gaming consoles.