A study conducted by the "Kuper" service in conjunction with the Rambler&Co media holding and the Organization for the Development of the Video Game Industry (ORI) showed that video games have become an integral part of Russians' daily leisure activities.
According to the survey results, just over half of the country's residents – 51% of respondents – play games today. Of these, 22% spend time playing games on a regular basis, another 14% launch them periodically, and 15% reported that they continue to play, although they devote less time to it than before.
Games are becoming not only a way of leisure for users, but also a part of everyday digital culture, where people communicate, consume content, and interact with services. For the market, this is a good sign, which confirms the gradual maturation of the industry and the growth of its economic potential.
The authors of the study note that for many users, games have long ceased to be solely entertainment. Almost half of the survey participants – 49% – perceive gaming as a way to distract from daily worries and reduce stress levels. For 16%, games remain a habit from childhood. Another part of the audience associates their passion for games with skill development: 14% believe that games help train strategic thinking and the ability to work in multitasking mode, and 13% consider gaming a useful and developing hobby.
Experts also noted a significant increase in interest in digital purchases related to the gaming industry. In the first quarter of 2026, the volume of digital goods orders increased 2.4 times compared to the same period last year. The segment of PC and console games grew particularly actively – sales here rose 2.5 times. Additionally, the demand for digital subscriptions and gift cards increased by almost 50%.
The study was conducted from April 30 to May 6, and involved 2,074 internet users aged 18 and over.