Russian actors are spreading disinformation through computer games, exploiting the high level of trust within gaming communities, particularly in Poland.
Russian Disinformation Campaign Targets Gamers
Russian entities are specifically targeting gaming communities with disinformation, leveraging the mutual trust among members to spread propaganda.
Disinformation is being delivered to computer game users through scenarios written in line with Russian propaganda. The gaming community is an attractive target not due to naiveté, but because of the high level of trust within groups.
Propaganda in War Games
Polish gamers have access to war games containing propaganda and disinformation. One such game, developed by the Russian studio SPN, depicts events related to the beginning and escalation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The NASK Disinformation Analysis Center detected propaganda and disinformation within the game, which is described as “History as it is.” The title appeared on the Steam platform in late May 2025.
Game Based on Russian Military Experience
According to the developers, players can experience events from 2014 and from 2022 to 2024, relating to the start and escalation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The game was developed based on the experiences of Russian war veterans and active soldiers.
Players undertake various missions, including defending positions, capturing new areas, and rescuing hostages, with decisions made during the game influencing the story. The game is intended to be recommended by the Russian military as a tool for infantry tactics training.
Steam’s Continued Hosting of Propaganda Game
Despite reports from NASK regarding the game’s propagandistic nature, the title remains available on the Steam platform, according to NASK analyst Bartosz Popadiak.
Analysis of Polish User Activity
NASK analysts monitored Polish users who positively rated the game, finding only a few such accounts. However, experts emphasize the importance of analyzing their connections to other groups.
Content published by these profiles contained isolated elements of propaganda, including symbolism related to the so-called “special military operation” and anti-Ukrainian messaging.
Difficulty in Verifying User Identities
Experts note it is difficult to definitively determine if these individuals were actually Polish, as analysis relies on user pseudonyms and voluntarily provided information.
Trust Within Gaming Groups Amplifies Disinformation
Dr. Jakub Kuś, a psychologist at the HumanTech Center for Social and Technological Innovation at SWPS University, believes gaming communities are attractive targets for disinformation creators not because they are naive, but due to the high level of trust within groups.
“If we have a community passionate about war realism or history, a common language and aesthetic emerges. This is fertile ground for introducing specific narratives,” he stated.
Monitoring Discord and Roblox Platforms
NASK’s Disinformation Analysis Center monitors gaming communities on Discord, where groups often form around specific games or modifications. Discord is a large platform, particularly popular among young people.
Monitoring is complicated by the private nature of many servers. Analysts are also examining Roblox, which allows users to create their own games and scenarios, though no evidence of disinformation has been found yet.
The Role of Cognitive Psychology
Kuś explained that the way internet users process information can increase their susceptibility to manipulation. Cognitive psychology suggests that our brains operate in two modes, and our “internal guardian” often stops functioning when we use the internet for relaxation.
In such situations, the so-called “mere-exposure effect” is stronger—the more frequently we encounter a message, the more credible it seems.
