Video Game Industry Development Corporation (RVI) spent Major study “Gaming in Russia in 2026”. In particular, the authors surveyed 4,600 people aged 14 and older, including 791 parents with children from 7 to 14 years old.
According to RVI's research results, many common myths about Russian gamers can be dispelled. The company claims that the Russian video game industry has become a full-fledged sector of the economy and media with a market value of 2.3 billion USD and a total audience of 106–110 million people (up to 81% of the country's population).
Main results of the study “Gaming in Russia in 2026”
- Every third adult in Russia (34%) plays video games every day. A modern Russian gamer is no longer a student but a working person, for whom games are included in the daily rhythm of life along with other digital activities.
- Gaming has become a mass habit and video games have become a habit for most Russians. The total video game audience ranges from 106 to 110 million people aged 7 years and older, accounting for 78 to 81% of the country's population. Over the past three years, this number has increased significantly, then the number of players was 88 million.
- The video game market is changing rapidly, with mobile gaming leading the way. Between 60% and 80% of users play on smartphones and tablets, depending on the city; In children aged 7–14 years, this figure is 76%. High-income gamers are more likely to participate in cloud gaming (21% compared to 11% in the mainstream segment) and in projects with virtual reality helmets.
- In Russian society, positive attitudes prevail about the influence of video games on people. 62% of Russians believe that video games contribute to the development of useful skills, slightly less – 60% – believe that video games develop a competitive spirit and determination. In addition, it is important that gamers can relax and relieve stress with the help of video games (61% of respondents think so).
- A non-stop gaming session for the majority of Russian gamers (83%) is limited to a maximum of three hours (usually less). In an average week, gamers who have played video games at least once in the past month spend 13 hours playing video games.
- Men and women, representatives of different generations and residents of different cities prefer heterogeneous game genres. Women are more likely to choose puzzles, while men choose shooters, strategy, and role-playing games. Representatives of the older generation (55+) are more inclined towards puzzles, while young players (14-34) choose simulation and role-playing games. Interestingly, there are many fans of the horror genre among residents of major cities (16% compared to 10% in other localities).
