Key information
- Russia is developing its own game consoles and its own operating system as part of a process of technological self-sufficiency.
- The first console will be equipped with the Elbrus processor, which is not able to compete with leading processors from companies such as Intel, AMD and Arm.
- A cloud-based gaming solution called Fog Play is also under consideration, but it could cause problems in Russia’s various regions.
Russia is making strides toward technological self-sufficiency by developing its own game consoles, in direct response to Western sanctions and its desire to reduce its dependence on foreign technology. President Putin himself launched this project in 2024, asking the government to create stationary and portable consoles, as well as an operating system and a cloud-based platform for distributing games. The first console will be equipped with the Elbrus processor, designed primarily for critical infrastructure and defense. Despite its expected robustness, benchmark tests indicate that it is unable to compete with leading processors from companies such as Intel, AMD, and Arm.
Limitations and challenges
This limitation raises questions about the console’s ability to match the capabilities of popular gaming systems such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series offering a single platform for local content, they are unlikely to directly compete with established global brands in terms of performance and gaming experiences.
Alternative approaches
Russia is also exploring a cloud-based gaming solution called Fog Play, developed by telecommunications giant MTS. This system allows users with powerful computers to rent their systems, allowing less capable devices to access high-end games via the cloud. However, this approach relies heavily on robust broadband infrastructure with low latency, which can pose challenges in various regions of Russia. Despite its cost-effectiveness and Xbox-style controller, Fog Play is unlikely to compete with established gaming platforms due to hardware differences, proprietary game libraries, and online multiplayer features.
The path to technological independence
Achieving technological independence in the gaming sector, or any other field for that matter, poses significant challenges for Russia. The limitations of the Elbrus processor highlight the gap between Russian and Western semiconductor capabilities. Additionally, Russia remains heavily reliant on Chinese technology for smartphones, electronics and dual-use components, making full self-sufficiency difficult. Despite these obstacles, Russia continues its technological advancements through initiatives such as Astra Linux for government use and the Multiscanner platform as a domestic alternative to Google’s VirusTotal. While the Elbrus-powered console and Fog Play represent notable steps in this direction, they are unlikely to pose a serious threat to established gaming platforms in the near future.
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