The Video game development organization (VIDO) has launched an initiative to introduce voluntary "Green labeling of video games" — a sign highlighting games with a positive social effect and domestic origin.

The aim of the project is to change the public perception of video games, highlight their educational, cultural and developmental potential, and support Russian developers. The initiative was proposed by the professional community and officially included in the five-year Roadmap for the development of the video game industry in Russia.

What is "Green Labeling"?

This is a visual mark that will be assigned to games that meet certain criteria. The project is focused on supporting content that:

🔹 made in Russia;
🔹 contains educational elements;
🔹 is part of the esports ecosystem.

At the first stage, these basic categories are selected. In the future, the list will expand as the initiative develops and receives feedback from the industry.

How to get a label

Developers, publishers, or copyright holders of games can apply for a green label. The RVR will organize an expert assessment of the application, after which information on the assignment of the marking will be published on the official website. API access for digital platforms will also be created so that they can integrate the designation into their storefronts and catalogs.

What does labeling mean?

Games with "Green markings" will be able to receive:

🔹 priority placement and promotion on digital platforms (features, filters, etc.);
🔹 mentioned in official digests and collections;
🔹 advertising support, including offline;
🔹 inclusion in educational initiatives and events;
🔹 promotion from development institutions as domestic products;
🔹 increase awareness among a wide audience and the media.

History of the initiative

The idea of creating voluntary positive labeling has been discussed for more than a year in the expert community and in the framework of working groups under the Ministry of Finance of Russia and the Ministry of Economic Development. The proposal was made by Vladimir Voloshin, Director of the Department of Digital Development and Data Economics at the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. Later, the idea received support from the industry and was included in the MPC of the VIDO as a separate project.

According to Vasily Ovchinnikov, head of the VIDO, "it is important that government agencies begin to consider video games not only from the point of view of regulation, but also as a tool for development, education and recreation. We want developers to have an additional incentive to create games for the benefit of society — and to receive real support for this."

The launch of the first branded games and the introduction of functionality on the platforms is expected in 2025. VIDO invites studios, platforms and partners to join the project in order to jointly promote the best domestic games on the Russian market and beyond.

Preliminary support for the project has already been expressed by: RADI associations, members of ARKA and AppBazar, a platform for computer clubs and esports Langame.ru , store HobbyGames.ru, a website about computer games kanobu.ru. Other specialized sites are expected to join the project in the future. 

To receive the "Green Label", studios and developers need to fill out a form, after filling it out, it will be reviewed by RVR experts.

From June to the end of November 2024, the Video game development organization (VIDO) held a competition to develop graphic layouts for the Green Labeling of Video Games project. It was attended by designers, students of specialized universities, artists and creative teams. In total, more than 80 works were submitted for consideration.

The evaluation of the bids was carried out with the support of the B&D Institute of Business and Design and the VIDO community. The main criteria were the conformity of the project concept, the originality of the idea and the quality of graphic execution.

The winners of the competition:

🥇 Elizaveta Elshina — view the work
🥈 Christian Gostel — view the work
🥉 Maria Potanicheva — view the work

The final layouts will form the basis of the visual system of "Green Labeling", an initiative of the VIDO aimed at promoting a positive image of video games and supporting Russian developers. Pictographs will be used in project materials and on digital platforms.