The Russian authorities continue to work on a legislative bill aimed at regulating the video game market in the country. According to TASS, a special inter-factional working group has been formed in the State Duma to refine the bill.
As reported by TASS, citing sources, the group includes heads of "several specialized committees" and the Deputy Speaker of the State Duma, Pyotr Tolstoy. The full list of participants has not been disclosed.
It is worth recalling that the draft law "On the Activities Related to the Development and Distribution of Video Games in the Russian Federation" was submitted for consideration by the State Duma in December 2024. If adopted in its current form, distributors will be required to label games, and games with an authorization option must provide a way to log in using a mobile phone or the public services portal Gosuslugi.
The bill outlines not only restrictions but also support measures. For instance, it mentions that Russian developers will be eligible for government funding and tax incentives.
Before it becomes law, the bill must pass through three full readings in the State Duma and a review by the Federation Council, followed by the President of Russia’s signature. The document is currently being prepared for preliminary reading in the State Duma. The date for this is yet to be determined.
Two weeks ago, the Speaker of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, announced that the authorities intend to decide on game regulation by the end of January. According to him, officials aim to protect Russians—especially children—from "destructive content." He later added that the initiative will be discussed with "the parent community, teachers, experts, industry representatives, psychologists, and all interested parties" before adoption.