Rostelecom launched a showcase with video games and Steam support
By ForGeeks
Rostelecom has announced the launch of its own online platform for selling video games and game keys. More than 3,000 titles are available on the storefront for Windows and macOS PCs and game consoles. In addition to games, users can top up their wallet balance in Steam and other foreign services. The platform was developed entirely by the operator’s internal teams without the involvement of third-party contractors.
The project is a relaunch of the former Game Marketplace, first introduced in 2019. According to a spokesperson, the new library features both casual projects and indie games, as well as shooters from international publishers. Keys to such titles as Helldivers 2, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, and Bandai Namco’s Synduality Echo of Ada are already available. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Elden Ring Nightreign, Stellar Blade and others will soon appear in the catalog. The company has agreements with all leading publishers working in Russia.
The total investment in the launch of the new storefront amounted to 14 million rubles. As Ilya Pyatigorsky, director of digital products at Rostelecom, specified for Ъ, the launch of the site was a logical development of the company’s gamer ecosystem. “Today, domestic gamers are facing problems related to the withdrawal of foreign companies from the market. These include, first and foremost, limited access to game novelties,” he said.
The new storefront also offers the ability to recharge on Steam, which remains a sought-after feature for Russian users after the demise of international payment systems. It also plans to host cybersports tournaments in conjunction with partner companies.
Market participants estimate that the project has prospects if it is actively promoted and has a reasonable pricing policy. As representatives of large studios note, many users still buy keys “for luck” through third-party ads, where there are no guarantees. If Rostelecom’s commission turns out to be lower than its competitors’, it could attract a significant number of gamers.
Material Rostelecom launches video game storefront with Steam support was first published on ITZine.ru.
