A domestic analogue to FIFA (EA Sports FC) is being developed in Russia, described by TASS as a football simulator intended for local audiences. The project has the backing of Gazprom, according to statements from officials familiar with the initiative. Industry observers expect that players and fans will get to see a playable version in due course, though they acknowledge that producing a high-quality game demands substantial time and effort.
Officials emphasize that participation from the outset is collaborative rather than ceremonial. They say the aim is to gain support for the venture rather than to assign it to any single president. Gazprom is already involved in a similar development, and there is optimism that the domestic project will materialize soon. The process, they note, typically spans more than one year and can extend over many years, yet work is progressing and a finished product is anticipated in the future.
At a game industry gathering in Kazan, Russia, President Vladimir Putin was acquainted with the idea of building a homegrown variant of the widely played football simulator. Former national player Andrei Arshavin presented the concept, proposing a game that would feature the Russian national team and additional national elements. He indicated that Gazprom’s leadership could play a key role in bringing the project to fruition.
Earlier events highlighted a shift in the global gaming landscape. In spring 2022, EA paused the sale of its titles in Russia and removed both the Russian national team and clubs from FIFA 22. Russian athletes were excluded from subsequent EA-organized competitions, and the company restricted Russians from participating in FIFA and Apex Legends tournaments. The FIFA series came to a close with FIFA 23, marking the last edition published in collaboration with the International Federation of Association Football. The next installment rebranded as EA Sports FC 2024, signaling a new era for the franchise.
Meanwhile, a notable hardware reveal occurred when Pre-Colored introduced an Orange Meow laptop designed for gamers, underscoring continued interest in gaming devices that cater to performance enthusiasts across the region. The evolving narrative of football sim titles, national involvement, and corporate cooperation paints a picture of a market where domestic development can gain momentum in parallel with global industry shifts. The conversations continue about how a Russian-designed football simulator could reflect national leagues, player likenesses, and competitive structures while aligning with international standards and player rights. In this context, industry commentators stress the importance of robust development pipelines, transparent licensing, and the integration of realistic physics and gameplay mechanics to deliver a credible, enjoyable experience for fans and gamers alike. As the project moves forward, observers will be watching closely for updates on release timelines, platform availability, and potential collaborations that could shape the future of domestic sports gaming in Russia and beyond. (Notes and context drawn from multiple industry briefings and public remarks attributed to TASS and participants at the Kazan event.)