In a paradox that defines the modern Russian gaming landscape, the latest sales reports from major retailers like M.Video-Eldorado reveal a startling reality: the top 10 best-selling console games in the country are composed entirely of projects that are technically “banned” or officially unavailable for sale by their creators. Despite major western publishers like Sony, Microsoft, Electronic Arts, and Rockstar Games halting operations in the region, Russian gamers are not just playing these titles—they are making them record-breaking hits.
The Great Disconnect: Sanctions vs Sales
Since 2022, the global gaming industry has undergone a seismic shift in Eastern Europe. Giants like CD Projekt RED (The Witcher), Take-Two (GTA, Red Dead Redemption), and EA Sports officially pulled their digital and physical products from Russian shelves. However, the data from M.Game (M.Video’s gaming community) suggests that “availability” is a relative term.
According to recent charts for late 2025, the PlayStation 5 and Switch sales rankings are dominated by these “unsellable” projects. For the PS5, the list looks like a “Who’s Who” of sanctioned software:
- Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
- Grand Theft Auto V
- EA Sports FC 25
- UFC 5
- EA Sports FC 26
- Mortal Kombat 11: Ultimate
- Gran Turismo 7
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Minecraft
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (Complete Edition)
Every single title on this list belongs to a publisher that has formally exited the market.
Parallel Imports and the “Gray” Gold Rush
How are these games reaching consumers? The answer lies in parallel imports. Since the official departure of brands, Russian retailers have pivoted to sourcing physical discs and activation codes from third-party regions, such as the UAE, Turkey, and China.
M.Video notes that while digital storefronts like the PlayStation Store or Xbox Marketplace remain restricted for Russian credit cards, the demand for physical media has skyrocketed. Gamers are willing to pay a premium for a physical disc because it bypasses the need for complex digital workarounds involving foreign accounts.
Old Legends Never Die
Perhaps the most interesting takeaway from M.Video’s data is the longevity of “legacy” hits. Even as 2025 releases like EA Sports FC 26 enter the charts, decades-old giants like GTA V and The Witcher 3 remain immovable.
“Local gamers continue to prioritize high-quality, immersive projects regardless of the geopolitical climate,” an industry analyst noted. “The fact that The Witcher 3—a game released a decade ago—is still a top seller proves that Russian players value established franchises over new, accessible domestic alternatives.”
The Rise of the “Alternative” Ecosystem
While console gaming relies on physical discs, the broader market is adapting in other ways. Steam Deck sales in Russia surged by 70% in 2024-2025, as players look for handheld ways to access their “forbidden” PC libraries. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch remains a powerhouse, with titles like Animal Crossing and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continuing to dominate despite Nintendo’s official “pause” on shipments.
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Conclusion: A Market That Refuses to Fade
The M.Video report highlights a massive gap between corporate policy and consumer behavior. While the world’s biggest developers have “banned” their sales, the Russian market has essentially “unbanned” them through sheer force of demand and creative logistics. For the Russian gamer, the message is clear: if the front door is locked, they will simply find a window—usually one located in Dubai or Istanbul.
