The former head of Russian tech giant VK, Boris Dobrodeev, has assumed leadership of Lesta, the gaming studio renowned for popular titles such as World of Tanks and World of Warships. This move, confirmed in an interview with the RBC news website, marks a significant shift in the Russian gaming landscape.
Dobrodeev, 34, is the son of Oleg Dobrodeev, who leads the state-owned media conglomerate VGTRK. He now heads IT Technologies, the firm that officially took over Lesta in mid-July, following a management rights transfer from the federal state property agency Rosimushchestvo. The company, registered on July 1, oversees Lesta’s core operations, including its development arm, Lesta Games Moscow, and its publishing division, Lesta Games Agency.
Strategic Vision and Immediate Priorities
Industry insiders had long speculated that Dobrodeev was the prime candidate to take control of the studio, which rose to prominence in the domestic gaming sector after assuming control of the Russian operations of Belarus-founded Wargaming in 2022. In his recent interview, Dobrodeev outlined the company’s immediate priorities, which include expanding the team, enhancing community engagement, and preparing for World of Tanks’ upcoming 15th anniversary in August.
He announced a new update titled “U-Turn”, which he described as the beginning of a broader strategy 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 stated.
Background and Historical Context
Lesta was formerly a subsidiary of Wargaming, the international studio founded by Belarusian entrepreneur Viktor Kisly. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Wargaming exited the Russian and Belarusian markets, transferring its local assets to Lesta Games. Wargaming has since dedicated a portion of its in-game sales to humanitarian aid for Ukraine. In response, Lesta publicly distanced itself from Wargaming, emphasizing that its projects were apolitical and uninvolved in such initiatives.
In June, Moscow’s Tagansky District Court escalated 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. The court ordered the confiscation of 100% of Lesta Games’ shares into state ownership, paving the way for Dobrodeev’s appointment.
Dobrodeev’s Career and Influence
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 subsequently led 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 deepening its control over digital media and online entertainment, including the rapidly expanding video game sector.
Implications for the Russian Gaming Industry
The appointment of Dobrodeev at Lesta signifies a strategic alignment with state interests in Russia’s burgeoning gaming industry. As the Kremlin continues to assert control over digital platforms, Dobrodeev’s leadership could steer Lesta toward a path that aligns with national policies while maintaining its competitive edge in the gaming market.
Looking ahead, the gaming community and industry analysts will be closely watching how Dobrodeev’s strategies unfold, particularly in terms of innovation and market expansion. His experience and connections in the tech industry could provide Lesta with new opportunities for growth and development, potentially setting new standards in the Russian gaming sector.
As Lesta gears up for the 15th anniversary of World of Tanks, the studio’s ability to adapt and innovate under Dobrodeev’s leadership will be crucial in maintaining its position as a key player in the industry. The coming months will reveal whether his vision can successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
