The Kommersant newspaper, citing two sources close to the government, reported on a new initiative of the Russian Association of Video Game Distributors and Importers (R.A.D.I.. Video games) to control the market for imported games.
Image Source: Warner Bros. Games
As Kommersant informants report, R.A.D.I.. Video Games proposed that the government create, based on its database (on physical copies of projects), a register of video games imported to Russia.
One of Kommersant’s sources clarified that this list should include all distributors, as well as the games themselves, approved for distribution “primarily in terms of content.”
Image source: Nintendo
President R.A.D.I. Video gamer Yasha Haddaji confirmed to Kommersant that the government approached the association with a request to formulate proposals to expand its database by adding digital editions of games to it.
According to a Kommersant source in the media market, the initiative of R.A.D.I.. Video games could eliminate gray importers who, Haddaji reports, save up to 30% of the cost of imported goods on customs duties and VAT.
Image source: Steam (xsamkaax)
Another informant noted that the market for games on discs is controlled by Rospotrebnadzor, and in digital games – by Roskomnadzor: “In this case, it is impossible to combine digital and physical media into one registry, and it makes no sense to create two separate registries.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economic Development is working on a draft law on game labeling in the Russian Federation.. The Association of Operating and Game Development Industry Professionals (APRIORI) considers the department’s initiative sufficient.