Why Game Localization is Important for the Russian Gaming Market?

Around 260 million people around the world speak the Russian language making it the sixth most spoken language in the world. People like to play video games if these are translated into their native language. The fastest-growing segment in Russia is mobile gaming. The revenue of mobile games is expected to reach 2.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2025. Therefore, the Russian gaming market provides ample opportunities for game developers who want to tap into this lucrative market. 

To tap into the Russian gaming market, video game translation services can be of great help. 

Why Localize Games for the Russian Market? 

 Have you imagined playing a game in which you are unable to know what comes next? If people come across such games, they will not play them the second time. Moreover, such games cause frustration instead of enjoyment. Therefore, to make the games entertaining for avid gamers, you must take assistance from professional game localization services. 

Let’s have a look at why game localization is important for the Russian gaming market. 

Language and Culture 

The main reason why game localization is important for the Russian gaming market is the language and cultural differences between Russia and the rest of the world. The majority of the Russian population speaks Russian. The language barrier can make it difficult for non-Russian-speaking developers to engage with Russian gamers. Here is where professional Russian translation services come to play.

Moreover, cultural differences can also pose a challenge. Russian gamers have different preferences and expectations which are different from other parts of the world. Localization can help overcome these challenges by adapting games to the local language and culture, which can result in better engagement with Russian gamers.

Increase in User Base

By localizing games, developers can increase their user base in the Russian gaming market. In Russia, there are over 100 million gamers, and this number is expected to grow in the coming years. However, gamers in Russia are not as receptive to English-language games. Therefore, by localizing their games to the Russian market, developers can attract a more extensive user base, which can lead to higher revenue and profits.

Increased Engagement and Retention

Game localization can greatly enhance player engagement and retention. When players can understand the game’s story, characters, and instructions in their native language, they are more likely to stay engaged in the game. This can result in increased playtime, more in-game purchases, and greater word-of-mouth marketing. By localizing your game to Russian, you can provide a more immersive and enjoyable experience for Russian-speaking players.

Competitive Advantage

Game localization can also give developers a competitive advantage in the Russian gaming market. With a growing number of game developers entering the market, it is becoming increasingly challenging to stand out from the crowd. Localization can help developers differentiate their games from their competitors by offering an immersive and culturally relevant gaming experience. In the Russian gaming market, gamers value games that cater to their language and culture. Localization can help developers gain a competitive edge over their competitors.

Building Trust

Localization can also help developers build trust with their Russian audience. By demonstrating an understanding of the language and culture, developers can show their commitment to the Russian gaming market. This can result in increased loyalty and trust from the Russian gaming community. In addition, it can have a positive impact on the developer’s reputation and brand image.

Regulatory Compliance

Game localization can help developers comply with the regulatory requirements of the Russian gaming market. The Russian government has specific regulations that govern the gaming industry, and failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe consequences. Localization can help developers ensure that their games comply with these regulations, which can protect them from legal issues and penalties.

The Most Popular Game Categories  in Russia 

Let’s have a look at the most papular game categories in Russia. 

PC & Console Games

Do you know that Russian is the third language on steam? You must be wondering what is steam. It is an online gaming platform from where gamers can buy and play video games. People can have access to a large variety of games on steam Avid gamers can purchase games from this platform. However, some games are free.

The people of Russia like online PC games more than console games. Moreover, they like MMO games in the PC games category. The popular video games in Russia are Warface and Perfect world and World of Tanks. The console games are further  divided into two categories that are Xbox and PlayStation 

Mobile Games 

Mobile penetration is about 65% in Russia and it is expected to grow more. People use an android operating system that accounts for 75% of the market and an iOS system accounts for only 24%. If you see the downloads then you will come to know people use Google Play more than App Store. Just like China, Russia uses a local app store which is called Yandex.Store. 

Gaming apps help in the growth of app stores. In Russia, the most downloaded categories of mobile games are puzzles, shooters, and racing. 

Wrapping Up 

Localizing the game for the Russian market can help you to provide the game in their native language and according to the cultural and regional nuances. In this way, people can download more games increasing the user base. Moreover, people get engaged in the games and it gives them a competitive advantage that helps in building customer trust. Last but not least, localization helps to comply with regulatory rules. If you don’t abide by these rules then you can not release the game in the Russian market.

Read more about The Video Gaming Industry in Russia and Professional Game Localization Services.