In an effort to achieve technological independence, Russia has announced plans to develop its own video game console. While it won’t be as powerful as the Xbox or PlayStation 5, the move shows Russia’s determination to reduce its reliance on Western technology. In this article, we’ll discuss more about the plan, the technology involved, and how it could impact Russia’s video game industry.
Console Development Background
On December 25, 2024, Anton Gorelkin, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Information Policy Committee, revealed that the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade is developing a domestic video game console. The console will use the Elbrus processor and will be powered by the Aurora or Alt Linux operating system, both derivatives of the popular Linux operating system.
The Elbrus processor was developed by the Moscow Center of SPARC Technologies and was originally designed for defense, critical infrastructure, and other applications. Although it is not as powerful as processors produced by Intel, AMD, or Arm, Russia is still determined to develop a console that can play domestic video games.
Technology Used
The Russian video game console will use the Elbrus processor, which is based on the Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) architecture. This processor is designed for demanding and mission-critical applications, but its performance is not comparable to the high-end processors used in consoles such as the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S. In addition, the console will use a domestic operating system, although it has not been decided whether it will use Aurora or Alt Linux.
In addition to traditional consoles, Russia is also developing a cloud-based gaming device called Fog Play. This device allows users to rent high-performance gaming computers and play games through the cloud. While this is a creative solution for players who do not have powerful hardware, the device is not intended to compete directly with global gaming platforms.
Challenges Faced
While ambitious, the project faces some major challenges. One of the main challenges is that the Elbrus processor’s performance is not comparable to the high-end processors used in consoles like the PS5 or Xbox. In addition, Russia must also develop a strong domestic video game developer community to support the console.
Another challenge is the digital isolation that Russia faces due to Western sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine. While Russia is trying to develop its own technology, its dependence on Chinese technology remains very high. Chinese smartphones and electronics are very popular in Russia, and dual-use technology from China continues to enter Russia even though China no longer exports it to the US.
Impact on the Video Games Industry in Russia
The development of this domestic video game console has several potential implications for the video game industry in Russia:
- Promotion of Domestic Video Game Products : The console is expected to promote and popularize domestic video game products. This will open up opportunities for local video game developers to create and market their games on government-supported platforms.
- Technological Independence : Despite the challenges, this move shows Russia’s determination to achieve technological independence. By developing their own technology, Russia hopes to reduce their dependence on Western technology and increase their domestic technological capabilities.
- Innovation in Gaming Technology : The development of cloud-based consoles like Fog Play demonstrates innovation in gaming technology. While these devices are not meant to compete directly with high-end consoles, they are a creative solution for players who do not have powerful hardware.
The Future of Video Game Consoles in Russia
While the Russian video game console will not be as powerful as the Xbox or PS5, this move shows Russia's determination to develop its own technology and achieve technological independence. With the support of the government and the local video game developer community, this console has the potential to promote domestic video game products and open up new opportunities for the video game industry in Russia.
But to achieve success, Russia must overcome a number of challenges, including processor performance that is not comparable to high-end processors and dependence on Chinese technology. With innovation and determination, Russia can achieve its goal of developing a domestic video game console that can compete in the global market.
Conclusion
Russia is planning to develop its own video game console to achieve technological independence. While the console will not be as powerful as the Xbox or PS5, it shows Russia’s determination to reduce its dependence on Western technology. The console will use the Elbrus processor and domestic operating system, and faces challenges such as inferior processor performance and dependence on Chinese technology. However, with the support of the government and the local video game developer community, the console has the potential to promote domestic video game products and open up new opportunities for the video game industry in Russia.
