Shadow Games: How Propaganda Enters Play * Science and Technology Times

Video games have become influential cultural spaces where political messages can appear subtly within interactive worlds.
Analysts say Russia is increasingly integrating the gaming industry into its state‑driven information strategies.
The scale of global gaming makes these efforts particularly significant, as billions of players engage with narratives that can shape perceptions over time.

Interactive Worlds as Ideological Spaces

Video games today function not only as entertainment but also as potential channels for political communication. Their interactive nature encourages players to engage deeply with narratives, mechanics and symbols that can carry ideological meaning. This immersion allows messages to appear as natural parts of the game world rather than external commentary. As a result, the medium’s reach—more than 3.3 billion players worldwide—gives it considerable influence over how certain themes are interpreted.

Communities built around games reinforce this effect. Online forums, chat platforms and fan spaces create environments where shared interpretations circulate with limited critical scrutiny. These discussions often develop their own norms and insider language, strengthening group identity. Over time, even fictional storylines can acquire political undertones as players debate characters, conflicts and moral choices.

Interactivity further amplifies these dynamics. Players make decisions, receive feedback and internalize the logic of the virtual world, which can make embedded values feel like personal conclusions. Long‑running franchises deepen this attachment by keeping players within the same narrative structures for years. Such continuity can shape how individuals understand real‑world conflicts or social issues.

Symbols, Narratives and Perceived Truth

Human thinking often relies on simplified symbols to interpret complex events. Video games are filled with visual cues, recurring motifs and narrative patterns that can subtly reinforce certain ideas. Psychological research describes the “illusory truth effect,” where repeated information feels more credible regardless of accuracy. When propaganda elements appear within gameplay, they may be perceived as natural features of the fictional universe.

This is especially relevant in games that depict war or geopolitics. The line between historical reconstruction and selective storytelling can become blurred. Players experience conflict from a first‑person perspective, which can reduce critical distance and increase emotional involvement. In such contexts, simplified enemy images or one‑sided narratives can become more persuasive.

The sense of safety associated with leisure activities also plays a role. People tend to lower their guard when engaging in hobbies, making them more receptive to subtle messaging. Over time, these impressions can influence attitudes toward real‑world events. The combination of repetition, immersion and community reinforcement creates a powerful environment for shaping perceptions.

State Influence and Industry Integration

Russia has recognized the strategic potential of video games and has begun incorporating them into broader information efforts. President Vladimir Putin has publicly emphasized that games should support cultural and patriotic education. This approach has led to closer ties between the gaming sector and state‑aligned institutions. The goal is to promote narratives that align with official positions.

A central actor in this system is the Institute for Internet Development, which appears on the European Union’s sanctions list. The organization distributes substantial state funding for “patriotic” digital content, with plans to allocate 3.4 billion rubles between 2025 and 2027. Parallel initiatives aim to strengthen technological independence through domestic game engines, distribution platforms and even a potential Russian‑made console. These efforts reflect a long‑term strategy to reduce reliance on foreign technologies.

Video games also play a role in youth programs. The Junarmiya movement, which includes more than 1.75 million participants, integrates esports into its activities. Certain tactical shooters, such as Squad 22: ZOV, are recommended for cadets and young members. These titles depict specific operations in Ukraine and incorporate pro‑Kremlin symbols, presenting a curated version of current events.

Radicalization Risks and Platform Dynamics

Digital distribution platforms serve not only as marketplaces but also as social ecosystems. Steam, for example, reached around 132 million monthly users in 2025, making it a significant cultural hub. Within such large communities, players with similar views can form echo chambers that reinforce shared beliefs. Research has identified more than 1.8 million extremist or hateful items on the platform, including racist, militaristic and neo‑Nazi symbols.

Pro‑war messaging often spreads through humor, fan creations or game modifications. Usernames, avatars and guides can carry subtle references that normalize conflict or glorify military actions. These elements rarely appear as overt propaganda, instead blending into the broader culture of online gaming. Their familiarity can make them more acceptable, gradually shaping attitudes without direct persuasion.

Policy experts argue that addressing these risks requires more than content removal. They call for consistent moderation, transparent funding information and standardized risk indicators. Preventive measures such as media literacy programs and continuous monitoring are also considered essential. The challenge lies in balancing open digital spaces with safeguards against manipulation.