By: Ryan Sung

Since the war in Ukraine, many Russian supporters have voiced their support for Russia by using popular video games to spread propaganda in favor of the war.

Multiple gaming platforms such as Roblox and Minecraft have videos of players supporting the Russians by re-enacting victories during the Ukraine war or creating games that support the Russian side. Popular online platforms such as Discord and Steam have also been affected by Russian propaganda.

It’s not unusual for countries to post propaganda on the internet to support a specific cause. In this case, Russia is promoting its war effort by encouraging people to enlist and support their war. The problem with Russia posting propaganda on gaming and online platforms is that most of the platforms they are posting propaganda on are mostly directed toward kids.

Roblox and Minecraft are games marketed toward and used by kids. On Roblox, a game was created featuring an arsenal of Interior Ministry forces. On Minecraft, a video was posted showing the battle of Luhansk.

So Russia is promoting its war effort, but what exactly are they trying to promote? The head of Microsoft’s threat analysis team, Clint Watts, said, “The propaganda mainly seeks to make Wagner and the Russian military look cool and menacing.” Apparently, the point of Russia’s propaganda is to show off the Wagner group. For those who do not know, the Wagner group is a mercenary organization that supplied Russia with supplies and manpower during the Ukraine War.

The Wagner group is a crucial organization for Russia during the war in Ukraine. As a result, it is important for Russia to show off the Wagner group as a terrifying and intimidating force and encourage people to join the Wagner group to promote the Russian effort.