In 2022 the official online game market in Russia contracted sharply, with a drop of around eighty percent from the previous year. This downturn was reported by the newspaper Kommersant, which cited an initial assessment from analysts at ANO Tsifrovaya Ekonomiya. The rapid decline reflected broader shifts in consumer behavior, regulatory changes, and supply disruptions that affected how players access and enjoy games online.
Industry observers suggested that a recovery could begin within the next two to three years as several catalysts emerge. Training programs focused on esports are expanding, giving players and future professionals structured pathways into competitive gaming. Development efforts around VK Play are expanding, aiming to create more integrated social and monetized gaming experiences. Additionally, government investments in content production are designed to stimulate local development, support creators, and bolster the digital economy across the country.
From a global perspective, the video game market faced a notable year-over-year pause in growth in 2022. Market intelligence from Newzoo reported that the global video game market declined from $194.7 billion in 2021 to $184.4 billion in 2022, a decrease of 4.31 percent. Still, analysts at Newzoo project a rebound, with estimates suggesting the market could reach $211.2 billion by 2025 as consumer spending resumes and new platforms broaden access to games worldwide.
Within Russia, recent studies by Rambler & Co, a major media holding, drew on the opinions of more than 250 thousand users to gauge attitudes toward online media and gaming content. The findings indicated that roughly 38 percent of Russians express a positive view of gaming when encountered on online media sites, while interactive media features like quizzes and tests remain particularly popular with audiences looking for quick, engaging experiences. These sentiments help explain why online gaming presences and related content maintain a strong pull even amid tougher market conditions.
During the first half of March, the Finnish game developer Supercell restricted access to its mobile title Clash of Clans for players in Russia and Belarus. This decision illustrates how geopolitical, regulatory, and market factors can influence the availability of popular games in certain regions, affecting both players and the broader mobile gaming ecosystem. The move prompted discussions about licensing, regional access, and the implications for developers who monetize through in-game purchases and live events.