A scorching potato: A brand new recreation arrived on Steam yesterday, partly set within the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and “formally really useful by the Russian Army.” Unsurprisingly, there’s been plenty of controversy round what’s being referred to as Russian propaganda, together with questions over the way it was allowed on the platform within the first place.
Free-to-play tactical shooter Squad 22: ZOV is the one recreation to return from each developer SPN Studio and writer Zarobana Leisure. The outline reads, “Based mostly on actual war-time expertise of residing Russian veterans of conflict in Ukraine.” There’s additionally a bit in daring that proudly publicizes, “Recreation is formally really useful by the Russian Army to be used as a fundamental infantry tactic guide for cadet and Yunarmy [Russia’s Young Army Cadets National Movement] coaching.”
The sport guarantees to point out “historical past as it’s,” tasking gamers to delve into the “complexities of the 2014 and 2022-2024 occasions,” referring to the invasions of Crimea and Ukraine, respectively. There’s additionally the promise of gaining perception into the views of those that lived via these durations – presumably Russian troopers –understanding how these occasions formed their lives and opinions.
Gamers may also rescue hostages and seize prisoners, and encounter and work together with civilians, all from the perspective of the Russian navy forces.
The sport’s web site names a number of of the Russian troopers who acted as particular navy consultants throughout improvement. Considered one of these is “Hero of the Russian Federation” Vlad Golovin, who commanded a platoon within the siege of Mariupol, which is likely one of the recreation’s campaigns.
The location additionally confirms that Squad 22: ZOV was developed with data supported by The Principal Army-Political Directorate of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
The identify ZOV itself is made up of the three letters which have turn into distinguished symbols of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, showing on navy automobiles, pro-war propaganda, and in public shows throughout Russia and occupied territories.
The Ukrainian state’s Centre for Countering Disinformation referred to as ZOV Russian propaganda final yr. It was additionally proven off at Russia’s Military 2024 occasion.
To get ZOV on Steam, SPN’s lead dev Alexander Tolkach advised PCGamer that it “went via [a] very lengthy moderation course of. Valve’s workforce actually requested entry to all in-game content material and checked it for about 60 days,” as a substitute of what he mentioned was the standard 5 to 7 days. He added that the workforce was cautious to not embrace something unlawful.
Tolkach added that the thought for Squad 22 “got here from GVPU,” Russia’s Army-Political Directorate, however funding got here from “our personal financial savings and in majority by a personal investor.” He additionally made the doubtful declare that no cash made out of the sport will probably be filtered again to the Russian navy.
“I perceive why 99% of recreation builders stick with both long gone (as much as WWII) or fictional settings. And I perceive Ukrainian gamers do not like us.”
“Possibly it might be logical if Steam closes recreation gross sales for Ukraine, as they, by the way in which, did for Russia… However we have now the fitting to inform the tales of our folks. As a recreation designer and producer I at all times took most care to confirm as a lot as doable that we put in solely info and concepts we all know are actual,” Tolkach argued.
“I do not suppose you’ll be able to deny that Western media are flooded with [a lot of] disinformation… So, we have now all rights to defend our dignity and present the world how we see this battle and, extra importantly, why it truly started.”
ZOV at present has a blended ranking on Steam from the 250 individuals who have rated it. A number of of the feedback spotlight what seem like violations of Valve’s phrases of service and ask for it to be faraway from the platform.
Russia has been utilizing video games for propaganda functions because it invaded Ukraine. It was reported in 2023 that Minecraft, Roblox, Russian variations of World of Tanks and World of Warships, Fly Corp, Armored Warfare and Struggle Thunder have been all named as video games used to unfold pro-Kremlin messages in varied methods.
