In 2023, Yandex Games reported a notable rise in monthly active users, reaching 32 million players per month, a 45% increase compared with 2022. This information came from Yandex’s press service as cited by socialbites.ca. The growth reflects a strengthening interest in mobile and casual gaming across the platform and suggests a broader appeal across diverse demographics in Russia and neighboring regions. (citation: Yandex press service)
Average play time per user remained stable year over year, averaging about 50 minutes per day across two sessions. Within the community, there were standout achievers, including the most active member who logged over 4,500 hours in a role-playing game during the year, equating to roughly 187 days of gameplay. Throughout the year, arcade games consistently topped the popularity charts, with simulators, quizzes, and racing titles also ranking high in user engagement and time spent. (citation: Yandex press service)
Device preferences showed a clear tilt toward mobile gaming, with PC gaming continuing to lag behind in overall share. Regional variations in titles were evident. In metropolitan centers with populations exceeding one million in the Central region, puzzle games led user interests, while in the Caucasus, running and racing titles drew the most attention. In the North and Far East, card games emerged as a dominant category. These patterns point to regional tastes shaping the catalog and promotional strategies for the platform. (citation: Yandex press service)
Regional demand sometimes highlighted specific genres. For instance, Veliky Ustyug showed strong interest in the card game “Fool” during 2023, illustrating how local preferences can influence the popularity of particular titles on the service. (citation: Yandex press service)
In related developments, Yandex has also introduced its own electronics brand Lunnen, signaling a broader strategy to diversify beyond software services and into hardware-related offerings. This move aligns with the company’s broader push to integrate digital services with consumer devices, potentially influencing future user experiences and cross-platform ecosystems. (citation: Yandex press service)