A true picture of Russian gamers emerges ahead of the III International Symposium "Inventing the Future"

Who is today's Russian gamer, how old are they, what interests do they have outside gaming, and what do they dream of? A survey of visitors to the international esports club network COLIZEUM and a comprehensive study by the company have provided answers to these questions. The findings have been published ahead of the III International Symposium "Inventing the Future", which will be held on 12–13 November at the National Centre RUSSIA. Its special project, the Gaming Lobby "Gaming Session of the Future", will bring together developers, experts and gaming enthusiasts.

The survey involved 5,175 people from different Russian regions — visitors to COLIZEUM gaming clubs of various ages, interests and professions. The study found that the typical gamer is an educated, ambitious and socially active young person who makes bold yet considered decisions, shows empathy and seeks friendship and communication.

According to the survey, the overwhelming majority of players are men, accounting for 92–95% of respondents. Most are young: 30% are aged 18–20, and 29% are aged 21–24. Respondents have varying levels of education: 40% have a higher education qualification, 31% have a secondary vocational qualification, and 13% have completed general secondary education. A further 7% have two higher education qualifications or an academic degree. Common occupations include office workers (19%), students at technical and vocational colleges (16%), managers and department heads (13%), and school pupils and university students (12% each).

Russian gamers are strong-willed people with a tendency towards analytical thinking, empathy and bold action. To develop their psychological profile, the researchers used the Process Communication Model, developed in the 1970s by American clinical psychologist Taibi Kahler. The model identifies six personality types: Thinker, Persister, Harmoniser, Promoter, Rebel and Imaginer. A Rebel, for example, is creative, spontaneous and charismatic, enjoys breaking rules and values freedom and authenticity. A Persister is conscientious and observant, with a particular strength in critical thinking. A Thinker takes an analytical, structured approach and values facts and data. A Harmoniser is empathetic, caring and seeks harmony. According to the study, visitors to gaming clubs in Russia are predominantly Thinkers (25%), Harmonisers and Persisters (24% each). The profile of COLIZEUM club gamers is somewhat different: Rebels account for 25%, Thinkers for 17%, Harmonisers for 16% and Promoters for 13%.

The researchers identify five patterns reflecting Russian gamers' underlying motivations. Social motivation ranks first (52%): people value friendship, face-to-face interaction and playing side by side. For many, computer games bring people together: 67.7% of respondents usually visit clubs with friends to share experiences, exchange opinions, discuss trends and try new releases together. Relaxation is another important motivation (43%): gamers value the opportunity to relieve stress through play and switch off from routine tasks and external distractions. Other motivations include the desire to compete (43%), access to technology (32%) and innovation (20%).

Contrary to the stereotype of gamers leading sedentary and isolated lives, the study confirmed that gaming enthusiasts are active people who enjoy sport, travel and large public events. For example, 56.6% of respondents exercise regularly, while 57.4% travel every six months or once a year. Besides gaming clubs, many visit cinemas (54%), cafés and restaurants (46.2%), sporting events (25.7%) and concerts (23.3%). However, alongside club gamers, there are also those who play at home: 58% of respondents said they needed the comfort of home, 40% their own gaming peripherals, and 36% peace and privacy.

The survey and study also showed that gamers are ambitious. High gaming rankings matter to 64.7% of respondents. Many dream of or want to become streamers (28%), while a further 39.5% are already considering it. Almost half of respondents dream of or are considering a career in esports — 42.5%, or 2,198 people.

As for gaming preferences, the top five games are CS2 (45.9%), Dota 2 (14.6%), Fortnite (4.7%), PUBG (4.1%) and VALORANT (3.4%). The personal computer is overwhelmingly the preferred device (88.3%). Popular food and drinks consumed while gaming include ready-to-eat meat snacks (38.8%), sandwich wraps (31.3%), crisps and crunchy bread snacks (28.3%), energy drinks (52.1%), coffee made from beans (25.1%) and tea (22.2%).

These and other aspects of Russian gamers' profiles, motivations, preferences and aspirations, along with the wider world of computer games, will be a focus of the III International Symposium "Inventing the Future". A special project, the Gaming Lobby "Gaming Session of the Future", awaits young people, developers and experts. Online registration is required to take part in this programme.

Visitors to the Lobby will discuss video games as an important cultural phenomenon and a medium for traditional values, explore trends in the Russian gaming industry, assess new releases and try them out. Audiences will see, for example, the latest games inspired by Slavic mythology, literature, traditions and the cultures of Russia's regions.

The Lobby's main stage will host dialogue with bloggers and leading figures in entertainment, content creation and gaming blogging. Open discussions will explore the psychology of gaming and the impact of gamification on humanity's future, the competitiveness of Russian developers, Russian studios' expansion into international markets and the industry's development prospects. Another key event will be the recording of the podcast "Our Game. The Russian Industry and Its Place in the Global Context" in front of a live audience.

At the technological heart of the Lobby will be an open area where everyone can try the latest games. The final gaming event will be a team tournament in "World of Tanks", with participants battling for victory and cash prizes. Everyone will be able to watch the action on a large screen.

The III International Symposium "Inventing the Future" will be held on 12–13 November 2026 at the National Centre RUSSIA. Organised on the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the event will bring together government officials, scientists and researchers, heads of corporations and business alliances, representatives of the creative industries and civic organisations, and young professionals from around the world. This year's programme emphasises networking and an expanded range of creative and youth-focused formats.