What is a National Game Development Competition and Does Game Development Need Government Support?

Contents:

• What competition did the Internet Development Institute launch in February 2022?
• What do industry representatives think about government support for game development?

In February 2022, the Institute for Internet Development, created in 2014 with the support of the Russian presidential administration, announced a competition for the development of national digital content. The competition encompasses various formats, including videos, podcasts, media and blogosphere projects, and games. Skillbox Media reached out to a representative of the IRI to learn more about this initiative and to determine the importance of state support for the Russian gaming industry in today's market.

The IRI initiative to hold competitions is not new, but large gaming studios have so far shown no interest in participating. This is due to the limited development period, which was previously only one year. Such a compressed timeframe places significant pressure on developers and prevents them from creating a high-quality product, which, in turn, discourages potential participants. In order to attract more large studios, the terms and conditions for participation in the competition need to be revised, providing a more flexible framework for development.

Over the entire existence of the initiative, relatively few projects have been released as part of the competition, primarily in VR and AR formats. One example is the "Volumetric History" app, available on Google Play. These games demonstrate the potential of virtual and augmented reality in entertainment and education, attracting users to new technologies.

What kind of competition did the Institute for Internet Development launch in February 2022?

According to information provided by Nikolai Tertychny, head of the press service of the Institute for Internet Development, the organization previously faced a large number of applications from developers. However, the project implementation deadlines often exceeded the framework established by the competition. As a result, the Institute for Internet Development was limited by the subsidy rules, but in 2021 it was able to change the conditions and increase the implementation deadlines, which allowed it to more effectively support developer projects.

The government responded to our request to change the rules, taking into account industry requests. Now, as part of the national content creation competition, we can support games whose development deadlines have been extended through 2024, said Nikolai Tertychny. This decision will enable the development of domestic projects and strengthen our industry's position in the market.

Only Russian developers can participate in the competition. Having a portfolio of completed projects will be a significant advantage and increase the chances of receiving a subsidy. It is premature to discuss potential candidates for state support at this time, as applications have just begun and will run until February 28.

Participation in the competition does not limit developers in their choice of platforms for publishing their project. Participants can easily add their game to popular stores such as Steam, the App Store, or Google Play. This allows developers to expand their audience and maximize the potential of their product.

Contestants can request any subsidy amount, but they must provide a detailed estimate of upcoming expenses. It is important that the development cost is in line with market prices. The Internet Development Institute (IDI) also provides support in content creation and product promotion, which facilitates the successful implementation and dissemination of new ideas in the marketplace.

Exceeding the budget may negatively impact the project's final score, which is determined by independent experts. Support includes content creation and promotion. When submitting a project, you set a specific goal—the number of views or downloads—and funding is allocated to achieve this goal. After the winners are announced and contracts are signed, producers and managers begin their work. The producer is responsible for the quality of the final product, from scriptwriting to the completion of the production process.

Tertychny noted that the Institute is funded by the state as part of the national "Culture" project, which requires strict oversight by regulatory authorities. The state is interested in ensuring that investments and efforts meet expectations and contribute to the development of the cultural sector. This attention from the authorities underlines the importance of efficient use of budget funds and achieving the set goals in the field of culture.

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Creating patriotic and educational content is a pressing and important issue. Last year, the video game industry association IGEA approached the Australian government with a proposal to introduce a 30% tax break for video game development in the country. Similar incentives and concessions for game developers are already being implemented in many European countries, as well as in the United States and Canada. Attracting investment in the gaming industry through tax incentives not only promotes technological development but also strengthens patriotic values ​​among young people.

In Germany, game studios can receive subsidies if their projects have an educational aspect or contain cultural values. However, state funding is not available to developers whose games violate the country's Constitution or laws, or to those that insult ethnic or religious groups or depict sexual or violent acts in an unacceptable manner.

A representative of the Institute for Internet Development emphasizes that the Russian competition discusses more than just patriotic topics. The competition covers a wide range of current issues related to the development of the digital environment and innovative technologies. Participants have the opportunity to present their ideas and projects that could impact the future of the internet in Russia. This creates a platform for exchanging opinions and promoting new solutions in the field of digitalization, which in turn contributes to the development of the domestic economy and strengthens Russia's position on the global network.

A variety of interesting projects can be implemented within our thematic lines. For example, the game "The Witcher," which draws inspiration from Slavic mythology, illustrates how cultural values ​​can be integrated into entertainment formats. Each project can be supplemented with elements that promote education and provide useful information. Using this approach, we can not only entertain, but also enrich the knowledge and worldview of the audience.

What do industry representatives think about government support for game development?

We reached out to Mikhail Pimenov, Director of Gaming Industry Development at Synergy University, and Vyacheslav Utochkin, Director of Educational Programs in the Gaming Industry at the Center for Competency Development in Business Informatics at the Higher School of Business at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, for comment. These experts will share their opinions on current trends and development prospects for the gaming industry, which will help us better understand the state and future of this dynamic sector.

In Russian game development, as in other fields, there are teams that demonstrate outstanding results at various jams. These developers often face difficulties entering international crowdfunding platforms due to legal barriers and potential issues with withdrawals. They may lack the necessary investment to implement large-scale and ambitious projects. At the same time, businesses are more attracted to proven monetization models and low-risk projects, which also impacts the capabilities of such developers.

Given current trends, it is becoming clear that the number of games with social significance is extremely limited, as Pimenov noted. Creating additional opportunities for developers working on such projects would be very beneficial. This is especially relevant in the context of the IRI initiative, which can assist in the development and release of games. It's important to emphasize that this isn't just about patriotic projects, but also about historically themed games, which can bring valuable information and cultural perspectives to the gaming industry.

Some industry participants express skepticism about the Institute's initiatives, citing its tendency to solve problems independently, without external support. Nevertheless, Mikhail Pimenov believes that if subsidies become a catalyst for the creation of new breakthrough projects, this will bring benefits to all market participants.

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Vyacheslav Utochkin is confident that government subsidies can significantly accelerate the growth of the gaming industry in Russia. Video games today are not only a business but also an important tool for conveying a unique vision of the world, philosophical ideas, and knowledge. Moreover, games are an art form that is gaining increasing importance and influence on society every year.

I have spent hundreds of hours enjoying the Pathfinder series from the Moscow studio Owlcat Games. This team is comprised of highly skilled professionals, and I'm looking forward to their next game. Pathfinder offers a unique gaming experience, combining a compelling story and a deep character system, making every session unforgettable. There are many talented people in game development who can create masterpieces and help others in the process. There are also aspiring developers with high potential who need support at the start of their careers. Support from businesses and governments plays a vital role for aspiring game developers. It contributes to the development of their ideas and the improvement of the quality of their projects, which, in turn, enriches the industry as a whole.

Patriotic themes and government projects currently lack credibility among young people. This is due to the fact that the government has repeatedly attempted to develop game development, but previous initiatives have often proven unsuccessful. For example, in 2013, the government proposed creating a project to develop patriotic video games, but this idea remained unrealized. The "Cyber ​​Russia" project progressed somewhat better, but its existence was limited to just a few months. It held only one hackathon, after which the organization's activity declined to zero. Thus, for the successful development of game development, new approaches and a deeper understanding of the interests of the youth audience are needed.

In comments for Skillbox Media, Anton Tokarev, lead game designer at Apella Games, discussed the government's influence on the video game industry and its propaganda within games. He emphasized that Russian developers need government support, but this support must be meaningful and not limited to simple funding. Tokarev believes the government should act as a governing body, allowing developers to freely express their ideas and opinions without strict control or manipulation. This approach will ensure a healthy and creative environment for the development of the video game industry in Russia.

Alexey Savchenko, author of "Gaming as a Business: From Dream to Release" and "Cyberside," emphasized the importance of government support for the gaming industry in a comment for Skillbox Media. He emphasized the need to simplify legislation, optimize taxation, address copyright issues, and develop educational programs. The expert believes that the state should create favorable conditions for the growth of entrepreneurship in various industries, and business, in turn, should actively develop and introduce innovations.

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Video games, as a form of art and entertainment, are increasingly becoming a platform for the expression of political ideas and propaganda. One striking example of this phenomenon is the Call of Duty series, which has addressed current global conflicts and political issues for many years. However, with each new release, Call of Duty raises questions about the boundaries between entertainment and political commentary.

Recent installments in the series have attracted public attention for their depiction of conflict, leading to harsh criticism from players and experts. Many believe the game distorts reality by manipulating player emotions and fostering certain stereotypes about war and violence. As a result, some users express dissatisfaction, pointing out that Call of Duty is becoming a propaganda tool rather than simply entertainment.

Furthermore, political discussions in games are becoming increasingly relevant in light of global events. This sparks debate about the appropriateness of using video games to address serious issues such as terrorism, national security, and human rights. Some critics argue that such games can contribute to public desensitization to violence, while supporters believe they can serve as an important way to draw attention to serious issues.

Ultimately, Call of Duty and other games like it pose important questions for players about the role of video games in modern society. What is the line between art and propaganda? How can video games influence our perception of reality? The discussion of these topics is becoming increasingly relevant, and the future of video games in the context of politics and propaganda remains open to analysis and debate.