Russia’s Ukraine Invasion Game Squad 22: ZOV Draws Backlash

The game Squad 22: ZOV, which is about Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine, faced intense backlash after it was released on the Steam platform. The game, developed by SPN Studio and published by Zarobana Entertainment, drew attention by stating that it was “officially recommended by the Russian army.” Criticisms that the game was for military propaganda purposes were widely echoed on social media and in the gaming community.

Squad 22: ZOV Game in the Agenda with Propaganda Accusations

Squad 22: ZOV, which can be accessed for free on Steam, offers scenarios covering the periods of the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022-2024 occupation of Ukraine. The game’s description claims that these periods are “based on historical events.” However, it is stated that the content largely complies with Russia’s official discourse and that players are given tasks such as “rescuing prisoners” in occupied territories.

The development team admitted that they used artificial intelligence in the game’s 2D artwork, while the military advisors include a Russian commander who served in the siege of Mariupol. This siege is presented as a mission in the game. In addition, the phrase “ZOV” is included in the game’s name, making a clear reference to this symbol frequently used on Russian military vehicles.

The game is proposed as a training tool for the youth military movement Yunarmiya, founded by the Putin administration in 2015. This shows that the game’s content is not just for entertainment, but also for ideological education. Some comments on the Steam page also state that the game spreads Russian propaganda and is a scene of hate speech.

The Center for Combating Disinformation in Ukraine described Squad 22: ZOV as “a key element of brainwashing the population.” The social media accounts of the game’s developer stated that Ukraine’s continued resistance offers “an opportunity to produce more missions,” which further increased the reactions.

Valve has stated that it allows all games that are “not illegal or explicitly trolling” as part of its content policy on the platform. However, the removal of some games with similar political content in the past has raised questions about the fate of Squad 22: ZOV. It is not yet clear whether the game will remain on Steam permanently.

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