Since the start of 2022, the sale of physical game discs in Russia has surged, doubling overall and especially within console segments. Reports from Izvestia indicate that this uptick is visible across major online marketplaces such as Wildberries and Ozon, among others, and the Mobile Research Group has corroborated the trend. The shift underscores a market where traditional retail formats remain resilient even as digital distribution faces constraints in the region.
Looking at 2022, buyers leaned heavily toward sports simulations and racing titles, while the previous year highlighted a different mix, with adventures, fighting games, and shooters taking the lead. When it comes to platform popularity, PlayStation consoles occupy the top position in Russia, with Xbox and Nintendo Switch following. The data also reveal specific title rankings: on PS4, Cyberpunk 2077 led the chart, Horizon Forbidden West ranked second, FIFA 22 third, and Grand Theft Auto V along with The Last of Us: Part II formed the top five. For PS5, Horizon Forbidden West emerged as the most popular game, while on Series X/S, Dying Light 2 Stay Human topped the list. Altogether, these patterns illustrate how consumer preferences shift between generations and how publishers respond to the local retail landscape.
The growing appeal of discs can be traced to strategic market changes. A broad wave of publishers has reduced or withdrawn operations from Russia, complicating the availability of digital copies and curtailing access to online storefronts for many players. As a consequence, physical copies offer a reliable, immediate alternative for gamers who want to maintain a substantial library without waiting for digital restocks or dealing with region-based restrictions. This dynamic is shaping buying habits, with players valuing the immediacy, resale possibilities, and perceived value of disc-based purchases in an environment where digital options are constrained. In parallel, stories from gamers—such as a Taganrog resident who recreated a neighborhood in Minecraft—illustrate how hobbyist creativity continues to thrive despite market pressures and access limitations.
These observations collectively highlight a marketplace in transition. Physical discs remain a meaningful channel for content delivery in Russia, driven by supply realities, consumer nostalgia, and a willingness to invest in tangible media. As publishers reassess regional strategies, the balance between disc and digital formats may continue to evolve, influencing pricing, promotions, and catalog breadth across all major Russian platforms and retailers. The implications extend beyond Russia, offering insights for international markets where digital access can vary by geography and regulatory considerations, and inviting a broader discussion about how players in North America and Europe might respond to similar market contingencies.