From Tetris to Atomic Heart: How Russian Games Are Conquering the World

From pixelated puzzles to full-scale AAA shooters, Russian game developers are stepping onto the global stage. Leveraging nostalgia, innovation, and a distinct cultural perspective, these games are building a new kind of digital soft power.

The Programmer Who Hooked the World on a Puzzle

In 1984, Soviet programmer Alexey Pajitnov created Tetris—never imagining it would become one of the most iconic games of all time. The Game Boy version alone sold 35 million copies, and total sales of all editions have surpassed 520 million.

Tetris became a cultural phenomenon and sales leader, laying the foundation for the puzzle genre and marking the beginning of the digital gaming era. In 2025, the Classic Tetris World Championship still draws thousands of spectators to watch players like Jonas Neubauer and Boom Tetris stack blocks in speed matches. Modern adaptations like Tetris Effect: Connected offer VR effects and stunning visuals, yet many gamers remain devoted to the classic format.

Atomic Heart: Soviet Sci-Fi Hits the Mainstream

In 2023, the Russian-Cypriot development team Mundfish released Atomic Heart, a Soviet-themed first-person shooter built on Unreal Engine. Despite launching amid geopolitical controversy, the game won over a global audience.

Steam users continue to leave glowing reviews praising the game’s detailed world-building, soundtrack, and design. On Reddit, the community welcomed it warmly. Atomic Heart earned 85/100 on Metacritic, drawing comparisons to BioShock and Wolfenstein—many in favor of the Russian game.

“I don’t understand the criticism. I’ve never had this much fun playing a game. That’s all I’ll say,” one player wrote.

The success led Mundfish to announce Atomic Heart 2, which founder Robert Bagratuni describes as a ‘spiritual successor’ that takes every element of the original to the next level. The sequel is slated for release in 2026.

Analysts note that high-budget shooters from Russian studios are still rare—making Atomic Heart a standout title. The game’s bold idea to revive the Soviet mythos proved commercially successful on both local and global markets.

Escape from Tarkov: Hardcore Gaming Goes Global

Another breakout hit is Escape from Tarkov, created by the Russian studio Battlestate Games. The game introduced a new genre—extraction shooter—set in the fictional city of Tarkov, ravaged by experiments involving advanced biological and radioactive weapons.

Players align with factions and battle for control of the city, scavenging resources to survive. Realism is key: players experience hunger, thirst, and weapon mechanics so authentic that every raid feels high-stakes.

What sets Tarkov apart is the adrenaline-fueled tension of losing rare equipment built up over multiple sessions. That risk—and the immersive realism—is what draws players into its gritty world.

Russia’s Game Industry Finds Its Voice

Russian video games are no longer just entertainment—they’re a form of strategic cultural capital. A growing ecosystem of developers, publishers, and platforms is emerging, capable of producing globally competitive content.

From design to narrative, Russian games are showcasing the country’s creative and technological edge. With rising demand for localized digital products in the Global South, Russia’s gaming industry is becoming part of the global cultural dialogue—and sometimes, even setting the agenda.