Digital arena expanded: Rostelecom introduces an online platform for gaming enthusiasts
In a significant move for the domestic gaming industry in Russia, telecommunications giant Rostelecom has launched a new gaming platform. The platform, positioning itself as a competitive regional player, aims to fill the gap left by the absence of major Western publishers and support local developers.
According to Hisham Nuhu, an international gaming industry expert, the Russian gaming market is growing rapidly, and this new platform is poised to meet the needs of domestic gamers. The platform allows users to purchase video game novelties, top up their Steam wallet, and obtain in-game currencies, making it a one-stop-shop for gaming needs.
The platform offers in-game currencies for various online games, and its catalog currently exceeds 4,500 games across Windows, macOS, and consoles. Some of the latest video games available for purchase on Rostelecom's gaming showcase include highly anticipated titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Elden Ring Nightreign, Stellar Blade, Helldivers 2, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, and Tekken 8.
Interestingly, the platform also offers game keys for titles that are officially unavailable on Steam in Russia, such as LEGO Horizon Adventures, Dragon’s Dogma 2, Cyberpunk 2077, and Helldivers 2. Furthermore, the platform supports the sale of in-game currency for free-to-play games like Apex Legends, Genshin Impact, Mobile Legends, and PUBG Mobile, along with cards to top up balances in stores like PS Store, Nintendo eShop, Game Pass, and EA Play.
The gaming platform is a significant step in the development of the domestic gaming industry in Russia, addressing the challenges that domestic gamers currently face due to the withdrawal of foreign companies. This includes lack of access to new releases and numerous malicious sites for game wallet replenishment.
The platform is an in-house development, with all elements created by Rostelecom's developers. It is available for users of gaming consoles, Mac OS, and Windows, and the catalog will be regularly updated with new video games. Future updates will include Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Elden Ring Nightreign, Stellar Blade, and others.
Approximately 60% of Russian citizens aged 16 and above are interested in video games, according to a study by the Internet Development Institute. This new platform is expected to cater to this large demographic, providing Russian gamers with wide access to diverse gaming content. The gaming platform from Rostelecom is not the last step in the company's development of the domestic gaming industry, indicating a continued commitment to the sector.
Users can purchase an array of gadgets ranging from video games to game keys on this new platform, marking a junction between technology and entertainment. Additionally, the platform provides access to social-media-like features, allowing gamers to engage with each other and share their experiences while playing the latest releases, such as Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Elden Ring Nightreign, and Stellar Blade.
