Did 77 Percent of Russian Internet Users Play Video Games?

Synopsis
A recent survey shows that <b>77 percent</b> of Russian internet users have engaged in video gaming, highlighting a growing global trend. This article explores the demographics of gamers, popular platforms, and the rise of domestic games in Russia, emphasizing the gaming culture's significance across various age groups.
Key Takeaways
- 77 percent of Russian internet users have engaged in gaming.
- Personal computers remain the dominant gaming platform.
- The gaming community is rapidly growing, with projections of 3.32 billion players globally by 2025.
- Mobile gaming transactions have nearly doubled in Russia.
- Indie developers are experiencing significant revenue growth.
Moscow, June 6 (NationPress) A new survey by the Russian government-owned research institute VCIOM reveals that 77 percent of active internet users in Russia have engaged in video gaming, mirroring a growing global phenomenon.
By 2025, the worldwide gaming population is projected to reach approximately 3.32 billion players, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. Video gaming is rapidly becoming a beloved pastime for individuals across various age groups.
Among the 77 percent of Russians who have participated in gaming, 44 percent identify as active players, while 33 percent admit to having played in the past but no longer do. This indicates that while gaming is prevalent, nearly half of the surveyed individuals still engage in it regularly.
In Russia, gaming predominantly attracts men and younger adults, particularly those enjoying financial stability. Conversely, women, older individuals, and those with lower incomes generally exhibit less gaming involvement.
A unique aspect of the Russian gaming environment is the dominance of personal computers as the favored gaming platform. According to Xinhua news agency, 82 percent of gamers utilize a computer or laptop for their gaming experiences. Meanwhile, 63 percent use mobile devices, 27 percent rely on tablets, and another 27 percent play on consoles.
Additionally, Russian mobile games are gaining traction among the populace. The number of transactions on RuStore, the official application store of Russia, has nearly doubled in the past year, with 60 percent of payments associated with local games, as reported by Ilya Ulyanov, the Director of Business Development at RuStore, in an interview with Russian media outlet Izvestia.
Ulyanov pointed out that enhancements in game quality, the expansion of in-game content variety, and the advancement of convenient payment options are fueling the growth of domestic games. The revenue of Russian indie developers on RuStore surged four times in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Despite fewer people opting for consoles compared to mobile devices, console gaming is seen as a promising sector. Those Russians who do engage with consoles appreciate them as a means to relax and bond with family and friends. The report indicates that PlayStation remains the most favored console.