"Moscow Video Games and Animation Cluster Opened," — Gyulnara Agamova from AKI on the results of 2025
We continue to sum up the results of 2025 with experts in gaming (or related to the gaming industry). This time, we spoke with the head of the Moscow Creative Industries Agency, Gulnara Agamova.
How did 2025 turn out for the organization as a business structure?
Gulnara Agamova, MCI: The highlight of 2025 is the opening of the Moscow Video Game and Animation Cluster—the first unique ecosystem in the country for the full-cycle development of video game and animation content with comprehensive support at all stages of creation, testing, and launching the product on domestic and international markets. It's not just office space, but an entire infrastructure that includes a motion capture studio for creating cinematic-quality graphics, a professional recording studio, a photogrammetry studio, a data processing center, a cyber arena, and everything necessary for developing projects of any complexity.
In November, the cluster hosted the first Moscow International Video Games Week. It became the largest event of its kind in Russia. The week united more than 330 city venues in the capital and 730 computer clubs across almost all regions of the country, attracting over 150,000 people. This not only demonstrates the growing interest of the domestic audience in video games but also successfully positions Moscow as an international center for video game culture and business.
What achievements from the year would you highlight?
Gulnara: Among our achievements, we would like to note that although the Moscow Video Game and Animation Cluster opened only in November, it has already received the prestigious Russian Creative Awards in the “Global Creaeconomy” category.
We are currently witnessing a high interest in residency at the cluster. It already houses 41 companies—33 video game studios and 8 animation projects. It's important to note that at least 18 video game and 2 animation companies have already set up their offices in the cluster and have begun actively working on their projects. Residents have access not only to advanced technological infrastructure but also to export programs, preferential rent, acceleration programs, and international promotion. Moreover, there is an opportunity for companies to receive tax benefits from the Skolkovo Foundation.
We would also like to highlight the success of Moscow-made video games in global markets. Developers, thanks to the Moscow Creative Industries Agency and expert support from the Video Game Industry Development Organization, caught the attention of gamers and publishers at major Asian exhibitions—Tokyo Game Show, G-STAR, China Joy, and others. Games based on Russian cultural codes and Old Slavic folklore were especially popular at these events. Visitors lined up to test projects from Moscow studios. Participation in business missions resulted in 36 export contracts being signed with the city’s support, totaling over 1 billion rubles. In 2025, Moscow video game studios, with the support of the Moscow Game Export program, participated in eight overseas business missions.
An important achievement was the formation of a partner support ecosystem based on the cluster. We have signed several strategic cooperation agreements with key industry players, such as the Internet Development Institute, VK Play, SBER, and the Moscow Venture Fund. During the Moscow International Video Games Week, a tripartite agreement was also signed with Rostelecom and the Skolkovo Foundation, under which collaborative efforts are planned to promote promising projects in Russian and international markets. All these agreements elevate support measures for developers to a new level.
How has the Russian consumer gaming market changed in 2025?
Gulnara: Today, video games hold a significant place in the creative economy: annually, Moscow residents spend over 120 billion rubles on buying video games, which accounts for more than 70% of the total spending on these purposes by the Russian population. The industry is rapidly developing, and 2025 was a turning point in many ways. We notice that the audience is increasingly interested in indie projects, and Russian video game distribution platforms are becoming more popular.
This year, we conducted a survey during the first Moscow International Video Games Week, which revealed that many Russians, especially among the youth, are ready to consider purchasing paid games. Although 54% of respondents prefer free games, they attract fewer young people. Free video games are chosen by 50% of those under 25 and 43% of those between 25 and 35. Among those who consider purchasing games, the majority are willing to spend between 500 to 1000 rubles.
The overwhelming majority of Russians also believe that video games contribute to the development of cognitive skills, reaction, strategic thinking, and creativity. Most respondents consider it acceptable to play for 1-2 hours a day.
What key changes occurred in Russian game development and publishing in 2025?
Gulnara: This was a year of technological and creative transformations in the Russian video game industry. The key trend of the year was the integration of artificial intelligence at all stages of development. AI influences content and story generation, visual asset creation, personalization of the gaming experience for individual players, and optimization of game mechanics. AI has not replaced human talent but became a powerful enhancer. It provides independent studios access to tools previously only available to large international corporations.
In parallel with AI integration, audience and publisher interest in indie projects has increased. More often, players are attracted to small but creatively daring studios creating games with expressive dramaturgy, unconventional mechanics, and original ideas. These projects are shaping the modern language of video game storytelling and setting new industry standards.
What trends do you expect to see in the Russian gaming industry in 2026?
Gulnara: According to a joint study by the Creative Industries Agency and the NAFI analytical center, the most popular devices used for video games are mobile phones/tablets (74%), computers/laptops (48%), and gaming consoles (9%). While mobile games remain the largest category, the audience is gradually changing its preferences and shifting to platforms that offer more opportunities for immersive gaming experiences. Likely, in 2026, PC games will become the key growth area, combining technological innovations, AI-powered personalization, and interest in narrative-driven, culturally rich projects.
We anticipate that in 2026 more gamers will be interested in projects from indie studios, and there will be more exciting projects from them. The "Video Game Factory" accelerator, launched by the Creative Industries Agency, has been operating for a year and a half. During this time, more than 100 teams from Moscow and 11 regions have developed 104 demos of their projects with its support.
We also expect that the trend of creating games dedicated to Old Slavic folklore and the Russian cultural code will continue, and we will see new, vibrant projects. Developers are increasingly turning to local stories, visual aesthetics, images, and mechanics inspired by Russian history, classical literature, and folklore, and we see that such games are in demand among both Russian and international audiences.
What can we expect from the domestic video game market, and what are the organization's plans for 2026?
Gulnara: We expect the domestic video game market to continue to grow.
In December 2025, the selection of studios for the sixth season of the "Video Game Factory" accelerator was completed. This is a support program for aspiring developers that provides complete project accompaniment—from idea and prototype development to assistance in finding investors and market entry. In 2026, the participants of the sixth season of the accelerator will participate in a project pitching session before investors, publishers, and strategic partners. The event will serve as a platform for seeking funding for the next stage of video game development for participants. Additionally, the series of public playtests of games within the accelerator is planned to continue, offering developers direct feedback from their target audience. Over a year and a half, teams from Moscow and 11 regions of Russia have successfully developed 104 demo versions of their video games and attracted investments exceeding 180 million rubles as part of the "Video Game Factory."
We anticipate that in 2026, the Moscow Game Export program will experience new growth and scaling. We are currently planning an extensive program of exhibition visits and the organization of business missions for our developers. This will allow them to establish new contacts and present their products in new countries.
The role of the cluster as an educational center and a platform for significant exchanges is planned to be strengthened through the expansion of professional development programs, master classes by international experts, and mentorship for young developers. The Moscow Video Game and Animation Cluster will serve as a meeting venue for industry representatives, conferences, and seminars.