What Gamers in Russia Care About
The company Astrum Entertainment conducted a new survey among gamers playing its projects in Russia. This time, the focus was on gamer-related questions — which platforms they prefer to play on, how often, how much they spend, and so on. Among the 2865 participants (about the methodology at the end), the statistics were as follows:
Where They Play
PC has been and remains the favorite platform for more than half of Russian gamers. Mobile gaming is less popular, but nevertheless, 11% launch games on smartphones or tablets. Most respondents play on more than one platform, over half use a PC or laptop with average specifications, 38% characterized their setup as powerful, and 12% as weak. Additionally, 28% of those surveyed are not interested in upgrading.
Only 1 in 10 gamers spend time in computer clubs, and most of those who visit do so occasionally — once a month or less. Gaming clubs are primarily visited to gather with friends and change the environment. Due to the inability to play at home, only 15% of players visit clubs. Russian gamers not only play themselves but also follow streaming: 61% watch streams at least a few times a month, and 12% do so every day. Approximately a quarter of viewers use streams to improve their gaming skills by observing the experience of other gamers. However, the most common reason they tune in is simply that they like the streamer’s personality — this reason was cited by 38% of respondents.
How Often Do You Watch Streams?
Several times a week
26%
Several times a month
23%
Less than once a month
22%
I don't watch
17%
Every day
12%
How Much They Spend
The survey showed that gamers are willing to invest in their hobby as far as their means allow. Only 19% play exclusively free-to-play games. Over 60% purchase licenses, with one in seven of them doing it more than once a month. The vast majority of respondents — 85% — are willing to spend up to four thousand rubles on a licensed game. This is noteworthy considering that 40% of respondents said they earn less than 60,000 rubles a month.
TOP-3 Reasons for Buying Licensed Games Among Russian Players
Licenses provide many opportunities
43%
Material and moral support for the developer
28%
Do not buy because they only play free-to-play games
20%
Another expense item for gamers is equipment. When it comes to platforms, the most wanted future purchase for most Russians is a powerful PC or laptop (56%). Other popular "wants" follow far behind: about 7% would buy a VR headset, and 6% — a next-gen console. Nearly half of those surveyed (45%) are ready to spend more than 40,000 rubles on a new platform in one go.
TOP-4 Gaming Platforms Russian Gamers Would Like to Acquire
Powerful PC/laptop
56%
Current platform is satisfactory
28%
VR headset
7%
PS5 / Xbox Series X
6%
Additional gaming devices are most often bought by Russian gamers out of necessity — when the old one breaks (67%). For 27%, new accessories or components become an opportunity to treat themselves, while only 2% buy new items just for the sake of new items. More than half (54%) spend up to 10,000 rubles on devices at a time, but nearly 8% spend more than 100,000 rubles.
TOP-3 Reasons Why Russian Gamers Buy Gaming Devices
Breakage of previous device
67%
To treat themselves
27%
For new items
2%
What They Value in Games
87% of gamers use games to relax and relieve stress. At the same time, many note that gaming brings them not only entertainment but also other benefits: every third learns something new from games, every fourth values the social aspect and communication, and every fifth hones skills (for example, learning English).
For the vast majority of respondents, the most important aspect of a game is the process and mechanics (75%). In second place are story and characters (51%), while graphics and visual effects are critical for fewer than half of the players (46%).
Only half of the respondents regularly follow news about the domestic gaming industry or play popular Russian projects. At the same time, 3 out of 4 gamers want to see more references to Slavic culture and Russian history in games (for example, like in the game [Atomic Heart](/games?search=Atomic Heart)).
The survey was conducted among players of Astrum Entertainment's projects through online questionnaires in September 2024. A total of 2865 gamers from Moscow, St. Petersburg, the Republic of Tatarstan, Leningrad, Moscow, Novosibirsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Omsk, Rostov, Samara, Sverdlovsk, and Chelyabinsk regions participated. The core audience consisted of people aged 18-59 who play Astrum Entertainment games daily.
Astrum Entertainment is one of the largest Russian developers and publishers of computer and mobile games. The company's portfolio consists of over 20 games, including hits like [Warface](/games?search=Warface), [Perfect World](/games?search=Perfect World), [Allods Online](/games?search=Аллоды Онлайн), and [Atomic Heart](/games?search=Atomic Heart). Astrum Entertainment works with products of various genres: MMORPGs, shooters, strategies, and more. The company's team consists of professionals who were at the origins of Russian game development.