- Primary Subject: Russia “Call of Duty” competitor (domestic AAA military shooter proposal)
- Key Update: Russian officials consider funding a state-backed AAA shooter meant to rival Call of Duty amid “Russophobia” claims
- Status: Reported
- Last Verified: January 21, 2026
- Quick Answer: Russian State Duma deputy Mikhail Delyagin is urging officials to investigate Call of Duty for alleged anti-Russian messaging while promoting a state-supported AAA military shooter where players fight “unfriendly” states, with possible funding routes via the Ministry of Digital Development and IRI and cost estimates reaching roughly 10 billion rubles ($124–$130M).
Russia is considering the launch of a domestic AAA military shooter intended to rival Call of Duty, but unlike most new IP efforts, it’s being treated as part of a broader state-supported cultural and political agenda.
The idea has been pushed publicly by State Duma deputy Mikhail Delyagin, who argues that Western military games frequently position Russians as antagonists and that franchises like Call of Duty function as a vehicle for anti-Russian messaging, which he labels as “Russophobic propaganda.”
From his standpoint, this goes beyond media bias and becomes a strategic information issue in a high-tension geopolitical environment, which is why ministry officials are giving the proposal real weight.
Is Russia Also Trying to Ban or Restrict Call of Duty?
Delyagin’s push goes beyond building a competing shooter, as he has also urged Russian authorities to investigate Call of Duty for alleged Russophobia through Roskomnadzor, the government agency that oversees mass media and communications.
His position is that Russian players are routinely placed in scenarios where they’re effectively fighting their own side, and he says that even seemingly positive Russian characters are framed as collaborators supporting Western forces.
In short, he argues the franchise consistently portrays Russia as an enemy, which he’s using to justify a possible ban or restrictions. This effort lands at a time when Russia has increased scrutiny of games and gaming platforms, especially after Roblox was blocked in late 2025 amid content-related accusations and regulatory backlash.
What Would Russia’s Call of Duty Alternative Look Like?
At the heart of the proposal is the idea that Russia should build its own blockbuster military shooter, with Delyagin suggesting a Russian-made “Call of Duty equivalent” that puts players in the role of Russian soldiers or intelligence agents while casting enemies as fighters from “unfriendly” states like the U.S., the U.K., and Ukraine.
Delyagin has also framed the game’s development as a strategically important national priority, suggesting it would serve interests beyond the gaming market.
The story stands out largely because Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development signaled it could be open to funding the project.
The ministry indicated that if an eligible proposal is submitted (particularly through existing competitive frameworks) it would be reviewed in accordance with established procedures.
One key pathway mentioned is the Internet Development Institute (IRI), one of Russia’s major state-backed digital initiatives, which has previously been connected to funding for “socially significant” content.
This suggests that if a studio was willing to take on the project, the “Russian Call of Duty” concept could tap into official support structures instead of relying entirely on private funding.
How Much Would It Cost to Make a Russian Call of Duty-Style Shooter?
That support could be a big deal, given the staggering numbers being floated, with projections claiming a shooter at Call of Duty’s scale could cost up to 10 billion rubles, or roughly $124–$130 million.
That would make the game one of the most expensive projects in Russian gaming history.
Delyagin has argued that figures like this are simply out of reach for domestic studios without outside support, which is why the proposal centers on state-backed incentives rather than standard private investment.
In this view, the government wouldn’t just be funding a videogame, but supporting a major cultural product meant to compete with the West’s biggest military entertainment exports.
In addition to direct funding, the ministry pointed to other financial benefits already available to Russian tech and game developers, suggesting a studio behind the project could qualify for multiple forms of relief.
This includes a reduced corporate income tax rate, potentially as low as 5%, as well as lower insurance premium rates for companies involved, and even partial VAT exemptions in certain cases.
Is the Game Actually Being Developed Yet?
For now, though, the story is still more about policy than production, since no studio has publicly confirmed it’s officially building Russia’s Call of Duty-style shooter, and major questions remain about whether the country’s game industry has the infrastructure, tech pipeline, and international talent ecosystem needed to create a “real competitor” to one of the world’s most expensive shooter franchises.
Still, the fact that Roskomnadzor, the Ministry of Digital Development, and even funding routes like IRI have all been linked to the proposal suggests it’s more than just online rhetoric.
It’s a proposal officials seem to be taking seriously, reflecting a broader push in Russia to curb Western influence in games while boosting domestic alternatives aligned with state narratives.
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