In addition to actual arcade cabinets, the Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines also plays home to a collection of classic posters, for games with such amazing names as Tankodrome and Well, Just You Wait!

These posters are just a sample; you can see the full collection below.

Soviet Video Game Posters [TMSAM, via GameSetWatch]

English Russia reports that

"it was impossible to put an attention of those hopeless men off. The game was drawing to a close and the ladies were sweating as much as they could, but the eyes of the tough players were nailed to the screens tight."

In the matchup, the team forZe bested rival Virtus.pro.

I pulled ten pics from English Russia, galleried at left. There are tons more at the link.

Hot Gaming [English Russia, thanks to Kevin!]

These shots are from a little trip to the wilderness near Vyborg, Russia, which took place last month. You can't see it, but we're on our feet applauding the dedication.

Tons and tons of pics at the link below.

Вне зоны комфорта

The body, called the National Russian Association of Game Industry, will be created by October. There's also an All-Russian Conference on Game Industry taking place Oct. 27-29.

The announcement was made by Russia's Federal Agency for Management of Special Economic Zones, the State Academy of Innovations, and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. Gamasutra notes that "Russia's game industry has historically been fairly insular, with a primary focus on PC titles." These moves are meant to broaden its profile within the global development community.

It's a sign of rather progressive support of the industry from one of its emerging markets. It's a shame we don't see more of it in the West.

Russia To Form National Game Body, First National Trade Conference [Gamasutra]

All of the information we have on the event is translated from Russian via Google, so it could be completely wrong. From we understand, a workshop group called Albion organized the event, securing the setting and providing technical, medical, and rescue support. Around 300 players participated, creating their own costumes and modifying fake weapons until they looked as if you just plucked them from a freshly-killed raider's hands. The game followed a basic plot, which the organizers would change on the fly according to how the players reacted.

Say what you will about live-action roleplaying, or LARPing, but this actually looks like a great deal of fun. Unfortunately it also looks like a lot of work, so you won't catch my lazy ass participating in something like this anytime soon. Hit up the link below for even more pictures.

Fallout 2009 «Ничто человеческое» [LiveJournal via Polygamia]

Nothing says post-apocalyptic like Leningrad.

Slavery is serious business.

Looks like box art, doesn't it?

Working headlights.

Just a pleasant stroll through the woods.

They completely nailed the atmosphere.

Free agent.

Probably just a guy they saw on the way to the game.

Post-apocalycious!

Please stand by.

Nice hair.

The Brotherhood.

Over the shoulder view.

Ew. Ew. Ew.

Unicorn Games' hardcore strategy game, XIII Century, recreates the battles between Teutonian knights and their target, Pskov city (which is part of present-day Russia).This expansion, Blood of Europe, zeroes in on more of the legendary fights as well as adding. Eight new missions in particular focus on the battles fought by Dovmont, Prince of Pskov.

The game looks pretty good both in the overhead God view and in the zoomed-in battlefield mode that actually lets you see the heads fly during combat. A definite requisite in historical Russian combat.

The Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines (the Soviet ethic lives on in the place's name, then) is home to versions of 20 of the original 37 machines licensed for manufacture in the old USSR during the 70's and 80's.

The place is open to the public, and all the machines have been restored, so they're playable. Worth remembering if you're planning on taking a trip to Moscow! Or, you know. If you live there.

The Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines [MSAM, via Hobby Blog]

Fighting, shooting, etc. There's something about paintball, too. The hand-to-hand combat scenes are filmed like traditional 2D fighters, while the shoot-outs use first-person camera angles. Wonder how Microsoft feels about the poster, which, you know, uses the Xbox 360 controller. Good thing it doesn't have that pesky Xbox logo.

Thanks, Kirill for the tip!

The five countries are the ones singled out by the Anti-Piracy Caucus as priorities for 2009, with Congress urging said countries to improve enforcement legislation and practices. How are they urging? Through a series of announcements that I am sure weigh heavily on the hearts and minds of those countries' governments, should they be paying any attention at all.

Still, the Entertainment Software Association seems pleased.

"The copyright-based industries will be leaders in our economic recovery – and the entertainment software industry, which had record sales in 2008, will continue to be a strong contributor to our nation's GDP," said Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, which represents U.S. computer and video game publishers. "Exports can comprise as much as 30% of our members' sales, and are a direct contributor to domestic job growth. The work of the Caucus helps us to grow our export markets, create jobs and strengthen our balance of trade. Additionally, stemming the flood of pirated creative works benefits and protects legitimate consumers everywhere.

The ESA specifically thanked the Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus for singling out Mexico and Canada, from which many mod-chips flow into the U.S., and Spain, where peer-to-peer piracy is running rampant.

Canada was also added to the U.S. Trade Representative's priority watch list this year. If they keep it up, we'll have no choice but to invade.

Apparently on May 19 of last year, the victim was playing CS against his "friend" in an internet cafe when things got nasty. Two separate fistfights broke out between the pair, and when they eventually left, the accused set upon the victim, beating him in the head and torso until he died at the scene.

The boy was found guilty of intention to inflict grievous bodily harm, and sentenced to four years detention in a juvenile prison.

Компьютерные игры закончились смертью [ГЛАВНАЯ СТРАНИЦА, via Planet Half-Life]

We've spoken about Stalin vs. Martians in the past. Subtitled "The Unknown Pages of the Second World War", it delivers just what it promises...the Russian army facing off against Martians, culminating in a massive battle in which Stalin is depicted as "a huge colossus, five times higher than any other creature. Just like it was in the real life."

But won't the Russians be offended? The developers get around this particular snag by actually being Russian. In fact, all three development companies that have worked on the game - Black Wing Foundations, Dreamlore, and N-Game Studios - hail from Russia, so it's perfectly fine for them to make Stalin techno-dance if they so choose.

As for the game itself, it's an obviously tongue-in-cheek arcade-style real-time strategy for the PC, with power-ups, coin collection, and speedy reinforcements making it the type of game anyone could play. For more information, check out the game's newly revamped website. For now, I command you to dance.

Inna Bukatina, head of international licensing and acquisition at Russian publisher GFI, believes that Nintendo won't take over Russia like the rest of the globe.

The reason? The Wii is only a game machine, and Russian consumers prefer devices that have multiple uses like the PS3 and PS3 says Bukatina. The Wii, Bukatina points out, is only for Wii games. That's true. It is.

Forget the older demographic as well. "The gaming society in Russia is pretty young, and I remember when Nintendo attempted to attract more people from older demographics — they put on their last slide a babushka, an old woman, in a headscarf sitting in the countryside and playing on a DS... but actually it's very hard to see that really happening in Russia.

I know that in other parts of Europe, older age ranges are playing these games, but in Russia they don't know what to do with it — they never owned a computer, and probably never worked with a device that's more technical than a telephone, for example."

The Russian Front [Games Industry]

“Codemasters has targeted Russia as a front-line territory, key to our overall EMEA strategy” said Axel Herr, Senior VP Publishing, EMEA, Codemasters. “Localisation and tailoring of content is key to our emerging market strategy and Codemasters is keen to continue leading the charge in these fast-evolving markets.”

Targeted? Front line? Leading the charge? Is Codemasters supporting Russia or invading? Perhaps a little bit of both.

CODEMASTERS® CONFIRMS FULL SUPPORT FOR RUSSIA
Codemasters' key titles to be released with full Russian language support
Tuesday 11th November/... Further expanding its global drive, Codemasters® today announced that it will be fully supporting the Russian language localisation of all its upcoming key ‘AAA’ titles, including Rise of the Argonauts®, Damnation® and, for the first time on next-gen consoles, the eagerly anticipated war simulator due for launch in 2009, Operation Flashpoint 2: Dragon Rising™.

The announcement comes as a continuation of Codemasters’ drive for growth in emerging markets, including Russia, the Middle East, Central & Eastern Europe and India. Russia will be the first of the emerging territories to get full language for key titles from Codemasters as the company continues to push the boundaries in global development and support.

“Considering the scale and enthusiasm of the Russian market for our upcoming titles, especially Operation Flashpoint, we recognised that offering a dedicated Russian-language support was the next important step for Codemasters” said Hal Bame, Director, Distributor Territories, Codemasters. “We’re looking forward to providing an even more accessible game-play experience to future players of our key titles.”

“Codemasters has targeted Russia as a front-line territory, key to our overall EMEA strategy” said Axel Herr, Senior VP Publishing, EMEA, Codemasters. “Localisation and tailoring of content is key to our emerging market strategy and Codemasters is keen to continue leading the charge in these fast-evolving markets.”

Localisation and PC distribution within Russia will be handled by Noviy Disk company. The Xbox 360® and the PLAYSTATION®3 system versions will be distributed within Russia by Vellod. The following games will be released with Russian language support:

Rise of the Argonauts®
As the King of Iolcus, Jason had everything—a prosperous kingdom, the respect of his peers, and a beautiful fiancé. When she was killed on their wedding day, he vowed to do anything to restore her life. Now, in order to accomplish this heroic feat Jason must seek out the Golden Fleece — and with the help of Greek mythology’s greatest heroes — set sail on the most epic voyage of all.

A grand scale Action/RPG, Rise of the Argonauts immerses players in a gladiatorial adventure set in the vibrant and powerful world of Ancient Greece brought to life. Taking the role of Jason, players will battle alongside Hercules, Achilles and other Argonauts as they engage in brutal combat against formidable beasts and enemies, in a vast world alive with wondrous inhabitants and stunning panoramas. The search for the Golden Fleece is not only one of exploration but of transformation — from warrior king to exalted hero touched by the gods.

www.rise-of-the-argonauts.com

Casual Connect: Sony On Developing for an Open PS2 Platform [GameDaily via Edge]

"We release jewel games for the first time especially for Russian market. Owing to 1C's optimized distribution system our cooperation will become the next step in expanding EA games on regional markets of Russia and CIS", – says Murad Shapiev, Sales Director for Electronic Arts Russia.

Of course jewel cases means that the folks in Russia, along with Ukraine and Kazakhstan (careful, they're sensitive) will probably be missing out pack-ins like bulky manuals, maps, posters, and other goodies, but considering the giant piles of such items cluttering my apartment that might not be such a bad thing.

Electronic Arts and 1C Company signed a distribution agreement

Electronic Arts and 1C Company signed a distribution agreement to spread EA games over Russia and CIS countries

MOSCOW, Russia – September 18, 2008 – Electronic Arts and 1C Company announce an agreement to create new channel for distribution of EA games. According to the contract signed 1C receives the rights to distribute EA titles for PC and consoles in Russia and CIS countries. The collaboration of these two companies is firstly aimed to consolidate and advance the largest markets (after Russia) – Ukraine and Kazakhstan. 1C Company already has offices in the region and has leading market share in these countries.

Another important stage in the cooperation of Electronic Arts and 1C Company is the distribution of EA games for PC in economy jewel packs in Russia. For the first time ever part of new games released by world's leading publisher will be distributed in economy packs (CD jewel case). Electronic Arts plans to release three new jewel packed games for PC - Crysis Warhead, C&C Red Alert 3, NHL 09. These games will be released in autumn 2008.

"Choice of 1C as our strategic partner is not a random decision. Nowadays 1C is a key player on the distribution market of PC games in jewels. Due to its professionalism this company gained high business reputation and we are interested in long-term and mutually profitable relations", – comments Peter Laughton, EA Vice President and General Manager of Central and Eastern Europe.

"We release jewel games for the first time especially for Russian market. Owing to 1C's optimized distribution system our cooperation will become the next step in expanding EA games on regional markets of Russia and CIS", – says Murad Shapiev, Sales Director for Electronic Arts Russia.

"The agreement signed is an unprecedented event for Russian market. World's leading publisher will unite its strength with the largest Russian software company. We greet Electronic Arts' initiative to distribute games in economy packs", - notes Nikolay Baryshnikov, International Sales Director for 1C Company. "1С became one of the first companies to introduce that scheme in Russian industry. I am sure that the experience gained along with our distribution network which is the biggest in Russia and CIS countries will contribute to effective collaboration and further growth of Russian game market."

In Crysis Warhead the player has to fit in the Nanosuit of Sergeant "Psycho" Sykes, one of the most memorable characters of Crysis. Occurrences in the story of Psycho, who has always been more aggressive and impudent than his comrade Nomad, take place at the same time with the original game in another part of the island. They turn out to be even more dynamic and intense. Fortunately, Psycho's Nanosuit can perform a lot as it is equipped with modifiable weapons and many new techniques, helping the players to find out the right way from any complicated situation. Besides of that remarkable campaign the player can also participate in multiplayer mode.

C&C Red Alert 3 presents a thrilling journey to the future of the alternative universe that appeared as the result of unsuccessful travel in time. Developed by EA Los Angeles Red Alert 3 sets new standards in real-time strategy genre, introducing campaign for co-operate mode. The campaign keeps renowned non-complicated style and classic rich gameplay.

NHL 09 introduces the opportunity to step on ice rink on your own! New "Be a Pro" mode allows to customize the character looking anyhow you wish. And in "Hall of Fame" you can not even simply create a character to play, but also to join him in the way to glory through AHL and NHL. Improved "Skill Stick" and control system, taken from NHL94 allows the player to command with his characters clearly and easily.

Funcom just announced that they have signed an agreement with 1C to fully localize the voice and text for a Russian version of Age of Conana: Hyborian Adventures. 1C will also operate local customer service, which I believe requires a gun license, deal with the community websites and in-game support for Age of Conan in Russian. Funcom still plans to take care of the back-end tech and server infrastructure as well as handling all future development for the game.

The companies plan to build a dedicated Russian realm to allow the Russian community the chance to stick together and communicate with each other in their native language. Didn't Czar Nicholas II try to create a Russian realm once? I'm pretty sure it didn't end well.

“1C Company is a clear leader in the Russian speaking regions, and we are confident we have found the perfect partner,” said Trond Arne Aas, CEO of Funcom. “We have already shipped a substantial amount of English boxes into Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, but we know that the real key to success is achieved through localized servers and services. Together with 1C Company we will do our uttermost to make Age of Conan a success for many years to come.”

“We are happy working together with Funcom on bringing Age of Conan to Russia. The game has already gained success here, reaching top places in many retail charts. With an already established fan base in Russia I’m sure it will become even bigger after the localized version appears on the market,” said Nikolay Baryshnikov, International Sales Director of 1C Company. “Age of Conan is a great mix of action, RPG elements and adventure. I believe that the game has potential to become a big hit in Russia.”

“The launch of the Russian-language version reflects our continuing commitment to make World of Warcraft even more accessible for gamers throughout the world,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment®. “We also hope that providing a fully localized version of the game will further enhance the gameplay experience for our enthusiastic Russian community.”

The Russian version will also feature a reduced subscription rate based of 359 rubles per month, proving once again that rubles is really fun to say. Ruuuubles. Russian persons on Euro servers will be able to convert their accounts to Russian accounts, with free character transfers available for a limited time.

Blizzard Entertainment® Announces Launch Date for Russian-Language Version of World of Warcraft®

PARIS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced that the Russian-language version of World of Warcraft®, its award-winning, subscription-based massively multiplayer online role-playing game, will be available on the 6th of August, 2008. On that date, European players will be able to purchase a version of the game and its expansion, The Burning Crusade®, fully localised for Russia, and begin playing on dedicated realms with the benefit of a Russian-language customer-support team. This will be the fifth European-language version of World of Warcraft, complementing the existing English, French, German, and Spanish versions.

“The launch of the Russian-language version reflects our continuing commitment to make World of Warcraft even more accessible for gamers throughout the world,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment®. “We also hope that providing a fully localised version of the game will further enhance the gameplay experience for our enthusiastic Russian community.”

The Russian version of World of Warcraft will be available for Windows® XP/Vista and Mac® OS X 10.3.9 or higher. The retail DVD boxed version will include a one-month subscription to the game, while the retail CD boxed version will be available at a lower price and will include a 14-day subscription.

Russian players will have the option to subscribe to a dedicated Russian account, which has a reduced subscription-rate structure for the Russian market priced in rubles, and which allows players to access and create characters on Russian realms only. The available subscription options are a month-to-month plan for 359 rubles per month, a three-month plan for 329 rubles per month, and a six-month plan for 299 rubles per month.

Current European World of Warcraft players will be able to download a Russian-language pack from the official Russian website at www.warcraft.ru, which will let them access and create characters on the new Russian realms. Beginning on the launch date, free character transfers to specific Russian realms will also be available for a limited period of time. Additionally, existing European accounts have the option of being converted to Russian accounts.

For more information on World of Warcraft, visit the game’s official website at www.wow-europe.com. To keep pace with the multilingual European growth of World of Warcraft and development of other games, Blizzard Entertainment is currently hiring for numerous open positions. More information on available career opportunities at Blizzard Europe, including positions on the Russian-language World of Warcraft team, can be found at http://eu.blizzard.com/en/jobs.

Hit the jump for the short press release, which is thankfully free of such tired humor.

WARHAMMER® ONLINE: AGE OF RECKONING™

TO SHIP IN RUSSIA IN EARLY 2009

EA Mythic, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced that Warhammer® Online: Age of Reckoning™ (WAR) will be released in Russia for the PC and will be fully localized. Along with MMORPG fans all over the world Russian gamers will have a chance to enjoy the rich world and extensive possibilities of one of the most anticipated MMORPG’s of the year - Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.

Based on Games Workshop's epic tabletop fantasy war game, WAR features revolutionary Realm vs. Realm™ (RvR) game play that will immerse players in a world of perpetual conflict. Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning is scheduled for launch on the PC in early 2009 in Russia and Fall of 2008 in North America, Europe and Australia/New Zealand.

For more information, please visit www.warhammeronline.com.

Games Workshop, Warhammer, Warhammer Online, Age of Reckoning, and all associated marks, names, races, race insignia, characters, vehicles, locations, units, illustrations and images from the Warhammer world are either ®, ™ and/or © Games Workshop Ltd 2000-2007. All rights reserved.