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Russia’s Proposes “Steam Killer” to Keep Gamers in Line With State-Approved Content

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Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
Author
Russia’s Proposes “Steam Killer” to Keep Gamers in Line With State-Approved Content
Logo of a Steam digital distribution platform. (Source: techoblog.net)

A Russian government-backed organization has proposed creating a new gaming platform for BRICS nations to rival Steam , aiming to protect users from “destructive content” and curb gaming addiction, Forbes Russia reported on March 10.

The initiative comes from the Internet Development Institute (IRI), which in 2025 received over $275 million (25 billion rubles) to promote “morality-strengthening” digital content.

According to IRI’s study, “Video Games and the Metaverse,” a BRICS-exclusive gaming platform would allow participating governments to regulate video game content, ensuring it aligns with what they deem appropriate cultural and moral values.

“The current system of content distribution does not ensure equal partnerships between countries,” said Boris Edidin, IRI’s deputy general director. He argued that BRICS nations should set their own standards rather than following those established by Western gaming companies.

IRI also suggested developing AR/VR military training simulators to aid in the mobilization of soldiers, claiming such technology could “streamline, reduce costs, and speed up firearms training during mass mobilization efforts.”

Despite IRI’s ambitions, experts doubt the feasibility of creating a true “Steam Killer.”

Astrum Entertainment, a Russian game developer, called the idea unrealistic, stating that building a competitive platform would be “a long and complex process” unlikely to materialize anytime soon.

Vladimir Varenik, managing partner at the Indie Go Start investment fund, also dismissed the proposal. “Steam is a monopoly. Trying to compete with it solely within BRICS countries doesn’t seem like a wise investment at the moment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian AAA-project  S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl claimed the number one spot among paid games on Steam, just two days ahead of its much-anticipated release.

The game, developed by GSC Game World, trails only behind the free-to-play Counter-Strike 2 in the platform’s overall rankings.

The game has outperformed major titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and the latest EA SPORTS FC (formerly FIFA)—despite a 50% discount—along with popular free-to-play hits such as Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG, and Dota 2.

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Steam is a digital distribution service and storefront developed by Valve. It was launched as a software client in September 2003 to provide game updates automatically for Valve’s games and expanded to distributing third-party titles in late 2005. Steam offers various features, such as game server matchmaking with Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC) measures, social networking, and game streaming services. The Steam client functions include update maintenance, cloud storage, and community features such as direct messaging, an in-game overlay, discussion forums, and a virtual collectable marketplace. The storefront also offers productivity software, game soundtracks, videos, and sells hardware made by Valve, such as the Valve Index and the Steam Deck.

In the video game industry, AAA (Triple-A) is a buzzword used to classify video games produced or distributed by a mid-sized or major publisher, which typically have higher development and marketing budgets than other tiers of games.