Russia Revives Gaming Bill That Could Block Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store

August 6, 2026 - 01:26

A long-dormant bill in Russia is back on the table, and it could change the gaming landscape for millions of players. The proposed legislation, which was shelved a few years ago, is now being revived with stricter language. If passed, it would require all digital storefronts to verify user identities with Russian phone numbers or government-issued IDs. It would also force platforms to remove any content that Russian censors deem illegal, including certain political discussions, LGBTQ+ themes, or unapproved war commentary.

The big problem for Valve, GOG, and Epic Games is that they operate globally and do not have local servers or offices in Russia. They have no way to comply with the identification rules without building a whole new infrastructure. And they have historically refused to self-censor their catalogs for any single government. That means the bill, as written, would effectively ban these platforms from operating in the country. Players would lose access to their libraries, and new purchases would be impossible.

The Russian government says the law is about protecting minors from harmful content and preventing anonymous online activity. But critics see it as another step in tightening control over the internet. The bill has not been voted on yet, and it could still be amended or dropped. But the fact that it is back on the agenda suggests the authorities are serious this time. For now, Russian gamers are watching closely, hoping the platforms find a workaround or the bill gets watered down. But if it passes in its current form, the era of open digital storefronts in Russia may be over.