During the first half of 2023, legal sales of video games in Russia dropped to about a quarter of their level a year earlier, driven by steep price hikes and a growing gray market. This trend was reported by RBC, reflecting a sharp shift in consumer behavior as costs rose and availability shifted in the market.
A study conducted by the Russian Association of Distributors and Importers of Video Games shows that physical media sales of legal titles in January through June 2023 reached roughly 133.9 thousand units, compared with 547.1 thousand in the same period the previous year. The gap underscores a dramatic contraction in the market for legitimately sold games on physical discs, as households recalibrate their budgets amid inflation and import-related pricing changes.
Prices surged significantly over the year, with the average game price climbing from about 3.7 thousand rubles to around 6.4 thousand rubles per unit, an increase of roughly seventy five percent. This marked the first instance of such a rapid price rise, and industry observers say it directly fed the decline in demand for legal products. Analysts noted that many consumers were unwilling to pay the higher prices when cheaper options appeared in the gray market, eroding the appeal of legitimate purchases.
Meanwhile, the head of the industry association highlighted a corresponding rise in the number of sellers operating in the unregulated space at more affordable prices on large marketplaces. Experts also point to exchange rate volatility as a contributing factor since a large share of popular games are imported from the United States and Europe, influencing wholesale costs and retail pricing in the local market.
At the same time, the narrative around gaming remains multifaceted. A psychologist later discussed five observable signs that a child may be developing an addiction to video games, underscoring the social and family dimensions that accompany heavy gaming—an issue that extends beyondprice dynamics to concerns about time management, sleep, and daily routines.
Earlier research has identified game designs that can enhance cognitive skills, suggesting that certain digital experiences can support mental development when used in balanced ways. As the market evolves, researchers and practitioners emphasize thoughtful engagement, parental guidance, and practical limits to ensure gaming remains a healthy hobby within broader educational and recreational activities.