Russia is developing its own gaming console with Chinese help in a bid for technological independence

Russia’s quest for technological independence has found a new frontier: video games. In a bid to reduce reliance on Western technology, the country is reportedly developing a homegrown gaming console. Anton Gorelkin, a Russian official overseeing information policy, revealed that the console would use the Elbrus processor, a chip designed locally, and run on Aurora or Alt Linux, Russia’s versions of the popular open-source operating system.

The Elbrus processor, created by the Moscow Center of SPARC Technologies, wasn’t exactly built with gaming in mind. It’s primarily used for defence and infrastructure, so it’s no match for the powerhouses like Intel, AMD, or Arm. That means this console won’t be competing with the likes of the PlayStation 5 or Xbox. Instead, it’s being designed to support new games developed specifically in Russia, signalling the need for a strong domestic game development community.

Fog Play: Russia’s cloud gaming solution

Alongside the traditional console, another project is in the works: Fog Play, a cloud gaming device. This system lets users rent high-performance gaming computers and stream their games via the cloud. It’s a creative workaround for players who lack access to powerful hardware, but it’s not intended to take on global gaming platforms directly. Together, these projects show Russia’s determination to carve out its own path in gaming, even if the approach is unconventional.

A broader push for tech sovereignty

The gaming initiatives are part of a larger effort by Russia to break free from its reliance on Western tech, a drive that’s accelerated since sanctions followed the Ukraine conflict. Other moves include using Astra Linux for government and military systems and creating Multiscanner, a domestic alternative to Google’s VirusTotal. These steps aim to shield Russian systems from potential foreign surveillance.

However, achieving true independence is easier said than done. Russia still heavily relies on Chinese technology, from smartphones to critical electronics. While China has stopped exporting many of these products to the US, they still find their way into Russia, highlighting a dependency that’s tough to shake.

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Challenges in going at it alone

The idea of Russia building its own gaming console sounds ambitious, but it faces significant hurdles. The Elbrus processor, while serviceable, simply can’t compete with cutting-edge global hardware. And while Fog Play and the local console show creativity, they’re reminders of the limitations Russia faces as it strives for technological independence. Without stronger capabilities or reduced reliance on China, true sovereignty remains a distant goal.