During the first quarter of 2024, analysts from the online education platform XYZ School, part of Ultimate Education, reported that Russian players downloaded unlicensed game copies valued at over 118 billion rubles. The finding comes from a market analysis shared with editors of Socialbites.ca.
The study shows piracy hovering at about 74%, a level nearly identical to late 2023. It also reveals that more than half of pirates streaming or downloading games did so with no more than three unlicensed titles. On average, a pirate spent around 6.8 thousand rubles on downloaded games.
Experts attribute part of the piracy trend to consumer barriers to legal purchases, including economic sanctions and limited access to international payment systems. Emma Yusova, the managing director of XYZ’s online game development and graphics school, noted that many fans who want to support their favorite studios still seek alternative routes to access content.
Lawyer Ekaterina Tkach, a managing partner at Tkach and Partners, emphasized that the piracy issue remains pressing in Russia and requires a coordinated response. She pointed out that users often bear little personal accountability for downloading or using pirated material. Tkach suggested penalties for infringing activity, analogous to procedures in some European countries, as a potential deterrent.
She also argued that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. The best long-term strategy involves expanding monetization options for developers, including subscription services, microtransactions, free-to-play titles with in-game purchases, and other contemporary models that can attract paying customers without compromising access.
Earlier discussions hinted at a Russian development effort aimed at creating a local analogue of a popular action role-playing game, indicating ongoing experimentation within the domestic gaming ecosystem.
These insights come from market researchers who focus on digital entertainment and consumer behavior. They stress that a balanced approach—combining fair access, reasonable pricing, and diverse monetization strategies—could curb piracy while supporting legitimate studios and the broader gaming community. The conversation continues as analysts monitor changes in policy, payment infrastructures, and consumer attitudes toward digital ownership.