A new video game officially endorsed by the Russian military called Squad 22: ZOV has appeared on Steam, depicting Russian forces invading Ukraine. The free-to-play title explicitly markets itself as a training tool for military cadets and members of Yunarmy, Russia’s youth army program targeting children aged eight to eighteen.
The game’s Steam store page boldly states it is “officially recommended by the Russian Military for use as a basic infantry tactic manual for cadet and Yunarmy training.” It portrays Russian soldiers as heroes “liberating” Ukrainian settlements and even features a real Russian soldier who participated in the battle for Mariupol.
Despite ongoing international sanctions against Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the game has secured distribution on Steam, the world’s largest digital game marketplace owned by American company Valve. The release appears to be region-locked in Russia itself, likely due to an exclusivity deal with VK Play, a Russian digital storefront.
The game has been criticized for its low production values and heavy use of AI-generated art, which is openly disclosed in its marketing materials. Beyond its technical aspects, the title’s timing and content raise questions about propaganda in gaming, since it dropped right in the middle of an active, ongoing war.
This isn’t the first military-backed game to appear on digital storefronts. America’s Army, developed by the U.S. military as a recruitment tool, was available on Steam for years. However, what makes this Russian title stand out is its clear purpose as a tactical training manual and its direct tie to an active international conflict.
The Yunarmy program, established in 2016, has previously used various media, including films and literature, as part of its propaganda to promote its youth recruitment strategy. This game shows those efforts expanding into interactive entertainment.
