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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. The country is reportedly developing a homegrown gaming console to reduce reliance on Western technology. 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 defense 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 explicitly developed in Russia, signaling the need for a strong domestic game development community.

Fog Play: Russia’s Cloud Gaming Solution

Another project is being developed alongside the traditional console: 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 compete directly with global gaming platforms. Together, these projects show Russia’s determination to carve out its path in gaming, even if the approach is unconventional.

A broader push for tech sovereignty

The gaming initiatives are part of Russia’s larger effort 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.

Challenges in going at it alone

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

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