Roundtable: How Will the Ban on Satanism* Affect Video Games?

In late July, the non-existent "International Satanism Movement"* was added to the list of extremist organizations in Russia. Considering that many games use imagery related to the occult, we spoke with lawyers from Futura Digital, Semenov&Pevzner, and i-Legal about the implications of the Supreme Court's decision for the gaming industry.

The fight against satanism* is in full swing. Art from the game Diablo III.

What specifics are there about the ban on satanism* in the country?

Alina Davletshina — Head of Digital Practice — Futura Digital

Currently, we have two news points on which we can rely.

First: on July 23, 2025, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation recognized the non-existent "International Satanism Movement"* as extremist and banned its activities.

Generally, this explains why there was no respondent at the hearing: this "movement" has no documents, registration, structure, and the court and agencies did not present specific information, names, or public groups on which the lawsuit was based.

The court considered the lawsuit behind closed doors, away from the press. There is no publicly available text of the court's decision or reasoning. The Prosecutor General's Office, commenting on the decision, only claims that the participants of the "International Satanism Movement"* call for the "destruction of temples," use unified symbols, and perform occult rituals. Additionally, the oversight body attributed sympathy for neo-Nazism and ritual killings to followers of this ideology.

The Prosecutor General's comments already mention as "prohibited":

inverted crosses;
pentagrams;
images of Baphomet;
Latin inscriptions glorifying Satan, black masses, occult rituals.

In general, this is not the first precedent where an "idea" or ideology, not formally organized as a legal entity, is banned under the guise of prohibiting an "organization": the same happened with LGBT** and child-free ideologies. Courts are establishing a new practice: recognizing phenomena without a formal status as extremist.

However, we still lack specifics on what the court specifically considers satanism* and its signs.

Second: rumors suggest that in June 2024, a bill aimed at prohibiting the propagation and public display of satanism* was submitted to the State Duma. The essence is to ban the dissemination of information "justifying, glorifying, or popularizing satanism*." However, no bill with specific articles has been released.

Irina Gushchina — Senior Lawyer of IT and IP Transactions Practice — Semenov&Pevzner

On July 23, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation recognized the "International Satanism Movement"* as extremist. The text of the court's decision has not yet been published.

The "International Satanism Movement"* has not yet been included in the list of extremist organizations on the Ministry of Justice's website or in the Rosfinmonitoring registry of extremists and terrorists. The elements of satanic movement symbolism are not included in the registry of extremist materials. However, the list of extremist materials already includes satanic-themed materials — mostly books. For example, V.V. Yudaev's book "AVE SATAN — LEGION," as well as "The Satanic Bible" and "The Black Book of Satan."

It is likely that the "International Satanism Movement"* and its symbols will soon be included in these registries. When this happens, government bodies will be able to fully fine offenders.

Andrey Kharitonchik – Leading Lawyer – i-Legal

It should be noted that the ban on the activities of the "International Satanism Movement"* in Russia, alongside the organization's recognition as extremist, was imposed by the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation in a closed hearing this July. However, the reasoning part of the decision was not announced or published, so we can only speculate about the content of the ruling.

Neither the legislation nor the judicial practice defines what "satanism"* is, and the term itself is not legally defined. It is challenging to determine what specifically falls under satanism*—it is a vast and fragmented phenomenon. Typically, in such cases, religious experts are involved to establish all the circumstances. Therefore, we should not expect the law to directly specify the criteria. A "household" understanding is not suitable: for some, things viewed as "from the devil" could also include "Star Wars" with their "Join the Dark Side."

It is also important to note that the ban applies not only to official organizations but also to informal groups—similar to the ban on the AUE*** movement and other movements that were recognized as extremist by the court without formal status.

Moreover, it is crucial not to forget that the ban did not emerge from nowhere: in opposition to extremist organizations, public organizations and religious activists operate, and there is a criminal article for insulting believers' feelings (with the example of the 2x2 channel facing potential closure threats due to complaints from church representatives and believers).

Additionally, there is a vast segment of the music industry whose concerts have been canceled in various countries due to dissatisfaction from church organizations and parishioners: from the group Black Sabbath (which appear quite "innocent" compared to others) to the group Behemoth, which came to Russia with the tour "Russian Satanist," whose concert was canceled due to efforts by Orthodox activists (as an illustration of what's happening at the show, the band's lead tore up a Bible on stage. The group ended up on lists of musicians whose performances should be banned due to the propagation of satanism*). The band Rotting Christ, which evokes resentment among believers with its name, was forced to perform in Russia under the alternative name Non Serviam.

An example from a less creative industry is the St. Petersburg bar S’aint, which faced criticism for having neon crosses in its interior and a bar menu with references in the names to Gospel and Catholic themes, leading community activists to repeatedly call the police and demand the bar's closure for insulting believers' feelings.

What can be said unequivocally is that the attitude towards satanism* is changing: there are now criminal offenses for which satanists can face real punishments in connection with the movement's recognition as extremist:

participation and organization of activities of a movement recognized as extremist (Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code);
public calls for extremist activities (Article 280 of the Russian Criminal Code);
financing of extremist activities (Article 282.3 of the Russian Criminal Code);
repeated propaganda or public display of extremist insignia or symbols (Article 282.4 of the Russian Criminal Code).

I've noticed that some media started marking mentions of satanism* with an asterisk for clarification — similar to LGBT and Facebook**. Should we expect a similar demand from law enforcement?

Alina Davletshina — Head of Digital Practice — Futura Digital

Probably, yes. If you are located in Russia or targeting the Russian-speaking market, it is advisable to use veiled mentions (asterisks, quotes, neutral euphemisms), include disclaimers: “this character is a fictional artistic image and not associated with the ideology of the banned organization,” avoid using in advertising, including stories and banners, images with pentagrams, "antichrist", Baphomet, etc. Here, I refer to the practice, for example, of recognizing META**** as an extremist organization.

Irina Gushchina — Senior Lawyer of IT and IP Transactions Practice — Semenov&Pevzner

Clause 2 of Article 13.15 of the Administrative Code requires that any information about an organization included in the list of extremist and terrorist organizations be spread only with a warning about the prohibition of such organization's activities. This norm may be applied if the "International Satanism Movement"* is listed in the relevant state register as an organization.

Currently, this movement is not legally registered as an organization; it lacks a charter, founding documents, or structure. Therefore, given the current norms, we assume that there will not be a strict obligation to label. But it cannot be stated with certainty: amendments to the law may be made regarding labeling.

Andrey Kharitonchik – Leading Lawyer – i-Legal

The previously mentioned Supreme Court decision recognizes satanism* as an extremist organization, which means that under the Federal Law "On Counteracting Extremist Activities," a public association is subject to inclusion in the Register of Public and Religious Associations, other organizations against which a court decision on liquidation or prohibition of activity has come into legal force (it has not yet been included there). Despite the fact that the organization does not immediately fall into this Register, a ban on spreading information about the extremist organization without mentioning its special status is already in place.

Therefore, as with LGBT**, any mention of a banned organization in the public space must be accompanied by appropriate designations, such as: "an organization whose activities are prohibited in the Russian Federation" or "banned organization in the Russian Federation."

There are no legislatively established rules for formatting the "label" with the relevant warnings. Thus, media or authors often write this information in a footnote with an asterisk.

But we can speculate: for example, regarding Facebook****, it is noted that it belongs to Meta****, recognized as an extremist organization, whose activities are prohibited in the Russian Federation; but how would the mention of Satan look in such a case? Perhaps putting asterisks after the word "Satan," as well as after "pentagram," would be excessive. However, in the case of the word "satanism"*, the situation is more complicated, as it characterizes both the specific organization that was banned and, at the same time, a general "movement". Therefore, I believe it should depend on the context of what exactly we meant.

And since regulation in this area is quite young and diverse practices are forming, media are justifiably cautious and make appropriate footnotes.

If so, what will games that mention the Antichrist face? Will their developers need to include a disclaimer and comment in their work?

Alina Davletshina — Head of Digital Practice — Futura Digital

A game featuring a character named “Satan” or “Antichrist,” or using a dark fantasy visual style (pentagrams, inverted crosses, Baphomet, occult images), is potentially at risk of being recognized as containing prohibited extremist content.

In my opinion, there is a reasonable possibility of pressure on artistic works. Almost any title could come under attack: from AAA games like Diablo, Doom, Baldur's Gate, Cult of the Lamb to indie games using the aesthetics of darkness, hell, downfall, anticlericalism. Even a mention of "Antichrist" without explicit condemnation already creates risks.

There have been few precedents of games being removed in Russia due to extremism. However, there is the case when the game Manhunt was blocked in Russia on the Steam service after a mass murder committed by Dmitry Vinogradov on November 7, 2012, where the murderer was reportedly inspired by the game.

There are all legal grounds for such a trend and blocks: Article 20.3 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation prohibits the demonstration of extremist organization symbols—even if fictional but similar or interpreted as belonging to a banned movement. And due to the new court decision, blocks and fines may become quite real.

From analogs: the ban on the "LGBT movement"** in 2023 also began with a Supreme Court decision without specific defendants or a charter. After this:

platforms removed communities and games with rainbow symbols;
developers were forced to change visual solutions or cancel releases in the Russian market;

As you remember, talks of banning games like The Sims and The Last of Us also began at that time.

Irina Gushchina — Senior Lawyer of IT and IP Transactions Practice — Semenov&Pevzner

If the "International Satanism Movement"* is not listed in state registers as an organization, there will be no direct obligation to label content. On the other hand, voluntary labeling can be done to fully inform users.

Andrey Kharitonchik – Leading Lawyer – i-Legal

Currently, there is no direct ban on mentioning the Antichrist (I’m not sure whether it should be capitalized, in this context it could be perceived as inappropriate respect) or on demonological themes in games. [In Russian grammar, the words Satan and Antichrist can be written in both capital and lowercase letters. It depends on the context. If it refers to the proper name of the devil in Christian religion or as a specific artistic character, it is capitalized. If it’s used in a common noun sense, like in the saying “Husband and wife — one satan”, it is lowercase. — Note from editor.] However, if the content is perceived as propaganda of satanism*, consequences are possible: marking 18+, if the game contains overtly occult or satanic images (for example, rituals, direct references to banned groups), blocking, if the game is deemed direct propaganda of extremism (for example, if it openly supports a banned ideology).

Mandatory disclaimers and comments (as in the case with LGBT**) are not required yet, but publishers might take precautions by adding warnings about "fictional content."

This issue may become more relevant if (when) a bill is passed concerning the regulation of video game development and distribution activities within the Russian Federation, their labeling, and expertise.

How does it look with the visual depiction of accompanying symbols (pentagrams, various images stylized under occult themes, and more)? Will they be banned?

Alina Davletshina — Head of Digital Practice — Futura Digital

I am a pessimist, and I think it is possible. In the absence of a definition, anything can fall under the "ban."

Irina Gushchina — Senior Lawyer of IT and IP Transactions Practice — Semenov&Pevzner

Most likely, yes. Demonstrating and spreading satanism* symbols could be seen as its propaganda. By analogy with the ban on the LGBT movement**: if the visual symbols of satanism* are used with a positive connotation, a fine for promoting extremism might be imposed.

If the propaganda or public demonstration of satanism* attributes or symbols was repeated, then criminal liability could apply with imprisonment for up to four years. However, for criminal liability, the violation must be committed by a person who has already been fined under the Administrative Code for a similar violation.

Andrey Kharitonchik – Leading Lawyer – i-Legal

The Federal Law "On Counteracting Extremist Activities" recognizes the use of the symbols of extremist organizations as extremist activities. Propaganda or public display of extremist attributes or symbols is punishable administratively (Part 1, Article 20.3 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation), and criminal liability is provided for repeated demonstration (Article 282.4 of the Russian Criminal Code). It should be noted, however, that the provisions of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation do not apply to cases of using such attributes and symbols, where a negative attitude towards extremist ideology is formed, and there are no signs of propaganda or justification of extremist ideology.

When it comes to games, multiplayer and online games might be considered as public spaces because they possess characteristic features, namely, they are virtual places where people can communicate and interact (thus, for example, in the case of Meta****, Facebook**** and Instagram**** fall under the ban, while WhatsApp does not, as it does not have a function for public dissemination of information).

However, with what to understand under the accompanying symbolism, there are some complications: currently, it is understood as the symbolism whose description is contained in the founding documents of the organization in relation to which a court issued a final decision on liquidation or prohibition of activities in connection with conducting extremist activities. However, as we understand, the movement associated with satanism* has no organization, and moreover, no founding documents describing the symbolism. Therefore, everything will likely depend on the context of each specific case.

By analogy, we can refer to cases of banning symbolism associated with Nazism or fascism. In the Russian gaming industry, there do not seem to be any public examples, but in Germany, Wolfenstein was banned for displaying the swastika, leading to an edited "censored" version being released. In Russia, in trailers for Bethesda's game, the swastika was replaced with neutral symbols, despite a statement from Roskomnadzor representatives at the time that the swastika is prohibited to be displayed only for propaganda purposes.

Unlike fascism symbolism, in the case of "devil worship," it is very difficult to determine what exactly the attributes and symbols should be. Media reports on bans on pentagrams, inverted crosses, and the like. But for an ordinary user, it is difficult to name specific visual attributes that clearly indicate adherence to the extremist movement of satanism. Moreover, this is just an external sign.

As in the case of A.U.E.***, where cases of administrative offenses are usually associated with the display of the eight-pointed star, for someone not closely related to such a movement, it is not obvious what exactly the attributes related to this movement are.

In fact, to find out what is specifically prohibited, one needs to delve into and research this question, which already contradicts the concept that the activities of such organizations are prohibited, and their content should be inaccessible.

Thus, I do not exclude that the use of satanic symbols and attributes within the gaming space could be deemed extremist propaganda. However, from what we see, context must be understood—how and what was specifically used in the game.

If so, could this lead to a ban in Russia on the distribution of products and IPs containing corresponding symbols (like the Diablo and Doom series, games in the Warhammer universe, and others)?

Irina Gushchina — Senior Lawyer of IT and IP Transactions Practice — Semenov&Pevzner

Yes, we expect bans on the distribution of clearly satanism*-promoting materials. However, if the symbolism is used for informational purposes and with a negative connotation, there is no violation. That is, if a game explicitly fosters a negative attitude towards satanism*, it will not be banned. Therefore, games like Diablo and Doom are more about forming a negative attitude towards satanism* than Warhammer—where there is no clear condemnation of the "dark" forces. But it's hard to provide guarantees since exact criteria for categorizing content as banned have not yet been announced.

Andrey Kharitonchik – Leading Lawyer – i-Legal

It is not excluded that the ban on the "International Satanism Movement"* will lead to a prohibition on the sale and distribution of products using extremist attributes and symbols, because any informational materials related to the activities of a recognized extremist organization can also be identified as extremist. In such a case, they will be subject to removal from circulation.

Currently, the ban targets organized activities rather than mentions in culture; however, if symbols or ideas are interpreted as "propaganda of satanism*," we could anticipate restrictions like age marking 18+ (given that the age rating in the exemplary games is already set at this level due to the severity of content), censorship of localizations or visual content, as occurs with virtually any game released in the Chinese market, and a ban on games if deemed "extremist propaganda."

As far as I know, Doom is already banned in Uzbekistan (along with other games that are seen as promoting violence or threatening political and social stability: Resident Evil, Silent Hill, etc.).

Speaking about games in Russia, by analogy with the ban on the LGBT** movement, whose propaganda was banned in November 2022, and which in March 2024 was declared extremist, this might not affect the free sale of games in the Russian market. The famous sequel to The Last of Us series by Naughty Dog, containing LGBT** scenes, transgender characters, and non-traditional sexual orientation characters, is still being sold. In contrast, however, it’s completely banned in Saudi Arabia.

On the other hand, in a Petersburg bookstore "Podpisnye Izdania," books that reportedly contained psychological and linguistic signs of LGBT** propaganda were seized from sale.

Therefore, there's no definitive answer on how the practice will develop, unfortunately. Comprehensive guidelines explaining what can be considered such symbolism, and what is not covered, will not be available.

* "International Satanism Movement"/satanism is recognized as an extremist organization, whose activity is prohibited in the Russian Federation.

** "International LGBT Movement"/LGBT is recognized as an extremist organization, whose activity is prohibited in the Russian Federation.

*** The "Arestantsky Uklad Edin" movement/AUE is recognized as an extremist organization, whose activity is prohibited in the Russian Federation.

***** META (owning Facebook and Instagram) is recognized as an extremist organization, whose activity is prohibited in the Russian Federation.

Roundtable: How Will the Ban on Satanism* Affect Video Games?

What specifics are there about the ban on satanism* in the country?

I've noticed that some media started marking mentions of satanism* with an asterisk for clarification — similar to LGBT** and Facebook****. Should we expect a similar demand from law enforcement?

If so, what will games that mention the Antichrist face? Will their developers need to include a disclaimer and comment in their work?

How does it look with the visual depiction of accompanying symbols (pentagrams, various images stylized under occult themes, and more)? Will they be banned?

If so, could this lead to a ban in Russia on the distribution of products and IPs containing corresponding symbols (like the Diablo and Doom series, games in the Warhammer universe, and others)?

I've noticed that some media started marking mentions of satanism* with an asterisk for clarification — similar to LGBT and Facebook**. Should we expect a similar demand from law enforcement?