The former head of Russian tech giant VK, Boris Dobrodeev, has taken over leadership of the gaming studio Lesta, renowned for its popular titles such as World of Tanks and World of Warships. This development was confirmed in an interview with the RBC news website. The transition marks a significant shift in the Russian gaming landscape, as Lesta continues to evolve following its separation from Belarus-founded Wargaming in 2022.
Boris Dobrodeev, 34, is the son of Oleg Dobrodeev, the head of the state-owned media conglomerate VGTRK. He now leads IT Technologies, the firm that formally assumed control of Lesta in mid-July, after a transfer of management rights from the federal state property agency Rosimushchestvo. The company, registered on July 1, oversees Lesta’s primary operations, including its development arm, Lesta, its Moscow-based branch, Lesta Games Moscow, and its publishing division, Lesta Games Agency.
A Strategic Appointment in a Changing Industry
Industry insiders had long anticipated Dobrodeev’s appointment as the leading candidate to steer the studio, which has become a pivotal player in the domestic gaming sector. This follows its takeover of the Russian operations of Wargaming, a move necessitated by the geopolitical climate after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In his interview with RBC, Dobrodeev outlined the company’s immediate objectives, which include team expansion, enhanced community engagement, and a roadmap of updates linked to World of Tanks’ upcoming 15th anniversary in August. He announced a new update titled “U-Turn,” which he stated would initiate a broader shift aimed at improving gameplay and responsiveness to player feedback.
“I’ve been playing for many years, and the product plans that I see from the team align with the core demands of our audience,” Dobrodeev said.
Background and Historical Context
Lesta was formerly a subsidiary of Wargaming, an international studio founded by Belarusian entrepreneur Viktor Kisly. However, after the geopolitical tensions escalated with Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Wargaming exited the Russian and Belarusian markets, transferring its local assets to Lesta Games. In a move to distance itself from international controversies, Lesta publicly declared its projects as apolitical and uninvolved in humanitarian initiatives, unlike Wargaming, which has committed a portion of its in-game sales to aid for Ukraine.
In June, Moscow’s Tagansky District Court intensified state intervention in the gaming sector by labeling Kisly and Lesta’s then-owner Malik Khatazhaev as members of an extremist organization, citing Wargaming’s support for Ukraine. This led to the confiscation of 100% of Lesta Games’ shares into state ownership, thereby facilitating Dobrodeev’s appointment.
From VK to Lesta: Dobrodeev’s Career Trajectory
Boris Dobrodeev first gained prominence in Russia’s tech industry in 2014 when he became CEO of VKontakte, following the departure of its founder Pavel Durov. He later led Mail.ru Group, now known as VK, until stepping down in 2021 after Gazprom-Media became a major shareholder. Dobrodeev then moved on to lead USM Telecom, part of billionaire Alisher Usmanov’s business empire, before leaving in 2022 to pursue independent ventures.
With his new role at Lesta, Dobrodeev re-enters the public tech sphere at a time when the Kremlin is increasingly exerting control over digital media and online entertainment, including the burgeoning video game sector. His leadership is anticipated to navigate Lesta through a complex landscape of political and economic challenges while maintaining its status as a key player in the gaming industry.
Future Prospects and Industry Implications
The appointment of Dobrodeev comes as the Russian government continues to tighten its grip on digital enterprises, aiming to foster domestic innovation while managing international relations. As Lesta embarks on its new chapter under Dobrodeev’s guidance, the gaming community eagerly anticipates how the studio will evolve its flagship titles and respond to the demands of a dynamic market.
Looking ahead, Dobrodeev’s strategic vision and industry experience will be crucial in steering Lesta through both opportunities and challenges. The broader implications for the Russian gaming industry remain to be seen, as it adapts to new leadership and the shifting geopolitical environment.
