Digital labeling of video games

Main article: State information system for marking goods

Chronicle

2024

The first results of the video game labeling experiment became known

In October 2024 Russia , an experiment on voluntary was launched in. The to marking video game content experiment provides for several types of labeling: for example, a warning about scenes of cruelty, use alcohol and obscene language. Developers can download images of descriptors that concern their products and add them to sites and games, no individual applications for participation in the experiment will be needed. This was announced on December 4, 2024 by the press service of a member of the committee on State Duma of the Russian Federation information policy, information technology and communications. Anton Nemkin

Domestic gaming studios Lesta Games and Astrum Entertainment, as well as VK Play and RuStore application stores, take part in the project. Preparation of the project was conducted with the assistance of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

According to the director of the Association of the Gaming Industry Vladimir Prosecutor, in the first month of the experiment, more than 5 million unique users contacted labeling descriptors in one form or another.

At the same time, the complexity of products in both genre and scenario plans increases. Age labeling alone provides virtually no meaningful information. For example, games containing scenes of alcohol consumption receive the same markings as content related to excessive cruelty. Of course, story labeling will allow you to get more detailed information about the game product. This is especially important when it comes to content for children and adolescents. Not all parents understand the specifics of video games, labeling will simplify the choice and effectively exercise parental control, the deputy emphasized.

The gaming market is not so large yet - about 187 billion rubles, and in general is at the initial stage of its development. It is important to implement tools that will convince both society and the state that the industry can effectively self-regulate. I think that according to the results of the experiment, the current number of its participants will increase, and in the future for 2-3 years we will come to the conclusion that plot marking will become the absolute norm for the entire market, "the deputy emphasized.

Approval of digital labeling of video games in Russia

In September 2024, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation approved a project on digital labeling of video games. This initiative, proposed by the Organization for the Development of the Video Game Industry (RVI), will enter into force in early 2025 and is aimed at supporting manufacturers of educational video games, Russian developers, as well as start-up studios in the digital entertainment sector. At the first stage, the sign will be assigned to games in three categories: "made in Russia," "contains training materials" and "esports discipline."

According to Izvestia, the new digital labeling will be completely voluntary, which will allow manufacturers and distributors to independently decide whether to join the project. RVI has already identified the first five projects to receive such a mark, and is also considering introducing narrower categories for labeling. According to experts, the introduction of this sign will stimulate developers to create useful content, and will also give domestic games advantages over foreign competitors.

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Фото: Unsplash

The Ministry of Economic Development noted that the project is aimed at forming a balanced approach to regulating the industry. According to representatives of the department, the labeling experiment will allow developing effective legal mechanisms and technologies necessary for the further development of the industry. The initiative will also facilitate the selection of suitable games for parents and educational institutions, simplifying the introduction of high-quality content into the learning process.

The marking system should change the perception of video games by a wide audience, focusing on their positive impact. According to the project developers, "green labeling" will allow society to better assess the educational potential of digital entertainment and support studios that create high-quality products. The first owners of the "made in Russia" sign included: CarX Street, the browser game "Magic World," the educational "Immortal Symphony," the tactical online action movie "Caliber" and the racing game CarX Drift Racing Online.^[1]

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