"Buka" and "4Game" have become part of the Russian Video Game Industry association — previously, they were part of other associations

The Organization for the Development of the Video Game Industry (ODVGI) has announced new additions to its ranks.

Recently, the membership of the association expanded to include:

• the Russian publisher "Buka" — joined ODVGI in November;
• the gaming platform "Fornet" — joined ODVGI in September.

Interestingly, both companies were previously part of other gaming associations. "Buka" was a member of "R.A.D.I. The Video Games", while "Fornet" (formerly under the Innova brand) participated in APRIORI. The reasons behind their decision to leave these groups are not precisely known.

However, "Buka" stated that joining ODVGI was a logical step for them, as they had collaborated on multiple occasions in the past. For instance, they jointly drafted comments on a controversial bill regulating the gaming industry in Russia. Additionally, the goals of ODVGI resonate closely with "Buka".

As for "Fornet", a change in ownership might have played a role. It should be noted that since mid-summer, the platform has been controlled by Hobby World. Its head, Mikhail Akulov, is one of the founders and co-founders of ODVGI.

Separately, ODVGI announced that the association's founders have agreed to extend Vasily Ovchinnikov’s tenure as the General Director. He will lead ODVGI for at least another three years.