In Russia, the issue of issuing distribution certificates for games, similar to those for films, has been raised again. The discussion took place during a roundtable organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation with developers of a domestic gaming console, according to "Kommersant" sources.
According to those interviewed by the publication, one possible condition for obtaining the certificate could be the adaptation of games for the upcoming Russian console.
Developers and industry experts interviewed by "Kommersant" are skeptical about this initiative. They point out several key problems associated with the introduction of distribution certificates.
- The new regulation will require significant additional costs for developers. As a result, it could make releasing games in Russia unprofitable for foreign studios, which may simply choose to forgo releasing in the country.
- The primary risk involves potential retaliatory measures from international partners. These would primarily affect domestic developers, whose main income comes from the foreign market.
- Overall, this project creates just another barrier that contradicts previous steps aimed at creating a conducive environment for industry development.
The idea of introducing distribution certificates was first proposed by Deputy Yana Lantratova in May 2023. Recently, she stated that the bill is in an active development stage in the State Duma. The discussion of this initiative in the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation only confirms the authorities' intention to regulate the gaming industry through this new mechanism.