What is the issue with Russian equivalents of Steam?

Analyzing the situation in the domestic digital PC distribution market: the main players, their approaches to monetization and user engagement, as well as the challenges they face in competing with the global platform monopoly.

We intentionally set aside the question of whether such an alternative is needed. Given the ever-increasing internal and external restrictions, its relevance must be acknowledged. Put simply, at some point, both companies and the gaming audience might face the reality of not having access to Steam in Russia.

A telling example is the recent situation with Roblox. The popular children's UGC platform was blocked at the request of Roskomnadzor (RKN) on December 3rd. This action was taken "in connection with the identified facts of mass and repeated dissemination of materials promoting and justifying extremist and terrorist activities, calls for unlawful violent actions, and the promotion of LGBT*-topics."

Of course, as the saying goes, it’s not all so straightforward. RKN, in one of its comments regarding Roblox, noted that the service had previously failed to respond to their demands. They only entered into dialogue with the agency after being blocked. With Steam, the situation is the opposite. As of September this year, Valve had, at the request of RKN, "restricted access to more than 380 materials that violate Russian law."

However, unfortunately, unforeseen factors cannot be ruled out. Moreover, for over a year now, a bill "On the Development and Distribution of Video Games in the Russian Federation" has been under consideration in the State Duma. The specific form in which it will be adopted and its consequences remain open questions.

So, taking all of the above into account, now is an opportune time to closely examine the situation with Russian digital gaming content distribution platforms. Especially since it cannot be described as simple. There are plenty of hidden complexities and challenges.