In a strategic move to globalize its digital entertainment offerings, the Center for Development of the Creative Economy under the Agency for Strategic Initiatives announced a new wave of accelerator programs. These programs are designed to promote Russian video games to international audiences, with a clear emphasis on broader market penetration and sustainable revenue growth. Industry experts project that the gaming sector could contribute significantly to Russia’s economy, potentially reaching substantial yearly gains by the end of the decade. The move signals a push to position Russian game IP within a diverse, cross-border ecosystem, leveraging partnerships, funding, and strategic mentorship to accelerate scale in overseas markets.
The official rollout highlighted the launch of a flagship game development accelerator that targets Asian markets, notably China, as a gateway to a wider global footprint. The program was unveiled on November 27 as part of the ongoing efforts by the Center for Development of the Creative Economy, with plans to expand similar accelerators in the coming years. This multi-year strategy aims to create a pipeline of Russian titles that can compete on the world stage while attracting international players, publishers, and distributors to collaborate on localization, monetization, and distribution strategies.
Key players from Russia’s vibrant gaming landscape are expected to contribute to the program, including VK Play, 1C, and the Organization for the Development of the Video Game Industry. These organizations will participate in team preparation, mentoring, and joint development activities, with support from the ANO Digital Economy. The collaboration is designed to align product development with global market requirements, ensuring titles meet regional preferences, regulatory considerations, and platform standards across major markets across North America and Europe as well as Asia.
Ekaterina Cherkes-zade, who heads the Center for Creative Economy Development, confirmed that up to 30 companies with proven video game development experience could join the first Asian-focused program. She noted that the initiative aims to secure a meaningful share of international markets for Russian games and drive significant revenue growth; the goal is to reach a combined market impact of 300 billion rubles by 2027. The plan emphasizes not only rapid market entry but also sustained expansion through partnerships, analytics-driven localization, and ongoing product iteration based on consumer feedback from diverse regions.
The initiative also signals broader industry momentum, with ongoing developments and partnerships shaping the next phase of Russia’s game ecosystem. The accelerator’s success will hinge on effective collaboration between developers, platform operators, and regional distributors, as well as careful risk management and compliance with varying regional requirements. As Russian studios build credibility on the global stage, the program seeks to demonstrate the value of consistent investment in creative talent, technical excellence, and a pragmatic approach to international expansion that resonates with players in major markets including Canada and the United States.