Russian Military Game on Steam: Ukraine Invasion Propaganda

A new tactical shooter titled "Squad 22: ZOV" has recently been released on Steam, reportedly endorsed by the Russian Military. This free-to-play game allows players to engage in campaigns reflecting the historical invasions of Crimea and Ukraine, presenting the events from a pro-Russian perspective. The game has stirred controversy as it is seen as Russian propaganda, raising concerns about its presence on the Steam platform. Featuring missions that include rescuing hostages and capturing prisoners, the game incorporates military consultants and claims to deliver a historically accurate experience based on real conflicts. The developer's reliance on AI-generated content for art and troubling user reviews suggest significant backlash against the game.

"Squad 22: ZOV" is a tactical shooter game released on Steam that depicts the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has been labeled as propaganda due to its pro-Russian narrative and military endorsement. Controversy surrounds its content, user reactions, and the implications of its presence on a widely used gaming platform.

Background on the topic includes the establishment of the Yunarmy, a youth movement promoted by President Putin in 2015 aimed at recruiting young individuals into the military, which shows the game's alignment with governmental efforts to encourage military service through interactive media. This context emphasizes the societal implications of a video game that intersects with real-world conflict and national narratives.