Sacred Symbols+, Episode 197: Gaming While Russian
Added 2022-06-11 16:01:03 +0000 UTCRussia's invasion of Ukraine has completely roiled the world. Thousands are dead, economies, currencies, and societies are suffering, and we're walking headlong into a global food crisis in the coming months, too. The results for Ukraine are obviously most devastating, but what's happened within Russia's borders is a little more mysterious. This is where today's guest, Roman, comes into play. Roman was born-and-raised in the Soviet Union just as it was falling apart. He ended up first coming to the United States in the '90s, largely splitting time between the US and Russia before (shockingly) going off to spend a decade in China. Roman's perspective is interesting, as he speaks both English and Russian, has lived in both societies, knows people in both places, and -- for the purposes of our show -- creates a gaming podcast specifically for a Russian audience. We hear a lot about Ukraine these days, and rightfully so. But I was curious to explore the Russian angle, particularly when it comes to our industry. What's it like over there right now for gamers? What are their options with the suspension of the SWIFT banking system and the refusal of many gaming entities to do business there? Is piracy on the rise? The use of VPNs? There's clearly much to consider. We totally understand that political episodes aren't for all of you. Be warned: This is very much one of those episodes.
Check out Roman’s podcast: https://youtube.com/c/SplitSkrin
Comments
I know I am late but what a spectacular episode! Hope we get more stuff like this and the Ukraine episode soon!! ❤️
Silas Koenig
2022-07-26 11:59:21 +0000 UTCI will definitely do that.
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-19 16:39:01 +0000 UTCI'm waiting for my invite. =)
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-19 16:38:54 +0000 UTCThank you, James. I appreciate it.
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-19 16:38:46 +0000 UTCYes, I'd really like to make that happen.
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-19 16:38:39 +0000 UTCThank you for your support.
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-19 16:38:31 +0000 UTCThanks. <3
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-19 16:38:25 +0000 UTCThank you!
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-19 16:38:22 +0000 UTCYeah, I'm not gonna give someone a microphone who is going to spout propaganda. The thing is, I think we're ALSO victims to propaganda.
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-19 16:38:17 +0000 UTCThank you Nick! Be well.
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-19 16:37:49 +0000 UTCThank you. I certainly will do that.
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-19 16:37:29 +0000 UTCYou need to have this guy on again. 100%. Let us know when you go on his podcast, would like to listen to that.
Greg Dawson
2022-06-19 10:45:29 +0000 UTCGreat episode, I really hope you participate on their podcast and ask his co-host about his situation and his views about this conflict. It is cruel to see so many people suffering because of the action os few. Thank you for bringing this to us.
Marco Maluf
2022-06-17 16:53:56 +0000 UTCColin. Every time I think you've reached new heights with your journalism, you go higher. This episode was absolutely amazing. So informative and so real. Broke my heart, but made me laugh as well. Well done sir.
James Buck
2022-06-17 12:11:47 +0000 UTCLove this. Can we have more culture/regional themed plus episodes? I want to hear what it is like to be a gamer in different countries.
Knightngale
2022-06-17 02:23:40 +0000 UTCSolid work as always. Content is king and last stand provides
Brad Sanders
2022-06-15 22:56:48 +0000 UTCAmazing episode… bravo
Miguel Siguenza
2022-06-15 16:00:18 +0000 UTCFantastic episode, great insight. Keep it up!
Retlaw
2022-06-15 11:37:36 +0000 UTCWhen you said you were having a Russian on to talk about this, I was worried it may be a bit too much apologia for Russians like I've seen in other gaming spaces. This was decently nuanced though and even the Russian guest seemed to be more understanding of the sanctions than some people on Reddit are.
Mark Whittington
2022-06-15 08:11:34 +0000 UTCAs someone who spent almost a decade living in Russia with a huge respect for the people, the culture and the country, I really appreciate Roman’s measured takes. The amount of nuance there is to this entire mess is something that is often difficult to express in such a level-headed and frankly objective manner as we all have our inherent biases. Being able cut through the propaganda from all sides is absolutely on point. I left Russia for the Baltics in 2019 when I saw the tide turning. Now I unexpectedly find myself having to assist teenage Ukrainian refugees, many of whom never got the chance to finish high school. They have my utmost respect for how they are handling this awful situation. I wish nothing but the best for all innocent Ukrainians and Russians who are caught up in this tragedy. Thank you, Roma, for sharing your thoughts. And thank you, Colin, for hosting this kind of open and honest discussion and always wanting to get to the truth of the matter. It has always set you apart from the rest. Long may it continue.
Nick Lone
2022-06-15 06:18:59 +0000 UTCThank you for this SS+ episode. It was a great listen. If you happen to appear on his show, let us know on SS.
Alex
2022-06-15 04:39:23 +0000 UTCThank you!
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 18:00:03 +0000 UTCThis was one of the best SS+ episodes yet, such a great guest!
Michael (ObjoGaming)
2022-06-13 17:58:08 +0000 UTCMaybe!
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:24:51 +0000 UTCI'm grateful, too.
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:24:43 +0000 UTCThank you!
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:24:37 +0000 UTCThank you for your kind words. <3
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:24:34 +0000 UTCThanks for being here!
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:24:17 +0000 UTCPerhaps when the time comes!
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:23:51 +0000 UTC<3
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:23:46 +0000 UTCDiplomacy, if we should be involved at all. I'd prefer we just weren't involved.
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:23:42 +0000 UTCAh, thanks for listening. =)
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:23:32 +0000 UTC<3
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:23:26 +0000 UTCI understand the intent; however, it's obviously not working. In fact -- considering the strength of the ruble and the notion that Russia has maintained a majority of its trade partners -- I think you can argue a lot of our involvement has backfired.
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:23:08 +0000 UTCThank you for your kind words.
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:22:16 +0000 UTCWhat about production value? If you're playing a 60 hour JRPG with 40 hours of grinding, is that as valuable as a 20 hour game like The Last of Us?
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:22:10 +0000 UTCThank you. <3
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:21:44 +0000 UTCThank you!
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:21:41 +0000 UTCI'm jealous of the bilingual. =)
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:21:38 +0000 UTCThanks for listening.
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:21:23 +0000 UTCThank you!
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:21:19 +0000 UTCUkraine literally cannot win, so I feel like we need to get everyone to the negotiating table.
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:21:05 +0000 UTCThanks for listening.
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-13 16:20:50 +0000 UTCThis was amazing thank you Roman I hope we can hear from you again soon!!!
Brandon Lahood
2022-06-13 16:17:26 +0000 UTCYou were spot on with your point about the conflict being prolonged. Sending military support to Ukraine was always going to result in more overall death and destruction, and they may very well *still* lose. That's not politically correct to say; "politically" is the operative word. Cultural and political figures are engaging in virtue signaling with regard to Ukraine. People are playing politics, while the Ukrainian (and Russian) people suffer. I have extreme sympathy with the Ukrainian people and don't begrudge their will and inclination to fight. They're brave and commendable for standing up, but the right decisions aren't always going to be the most popular or easiest to make.
Max Stahl
2022-06-13 13:37:08 +0000 UTCSuch a great and interesting episode! Thanks LSM & Roman
Drew Lee
2022-06-13 11:30:12 +0000 UTCOne of the best SS+ episodes ever
NuclearProstate
2022-06-13 08:36:34 +0000 UTCThis was a very good episode. A lot of what Roman said about loss of context both intentionally and due to language barriers really hit home for me. Being bilingual in both English and Japanese, I get the exact same sentiment from groups of people who believe only one side of their story because the difference of regions and culture they live in. Thanks again for the insightful episode!
Tacoyaki
2022-06-13 01:55:32 +0000 UTCGreat episode.
TL
2022-06-12 21:43:24 +0000 UTCSeriously one of the best Sacred Symbols+ episodes. This guy is awesome!
Avery Illies
2022-06-12 20:56:48 +0000 UTCAwesome awesome episode. I can't wait to check out Split Screen. I too am confused about video game prices. Got me, story and time investment are the most important aspects of a game and so I'm often confused on how a 20hr story and a 100+ story are the same price at launch.
TheJoe-senOne
2022-06-12 17:57:53 +0000 UTCThis is a TOP TIER Sacred Symbols+ interview, such a fascinating story and point of view. Loved Roman as a guest, would love to see him return!
Chris Nelson
2022-06-12 16:42:59 +0000 UTCReally enjoyed this episode and hearing this perspective, I do have to take umbridge with the macro side of things though Colin. The sanctions are unfortunate in that they target the innocent Russians just as they do the Russian state entity - but I'd argue their objective is to strangle the Russian war effort as quickly as possible, at the very least - it's gotten much of Europe onto the same page with alternative fuel sources and brought most of the EU nations closer together (Orban in Hungary 😡). I don't know what the alternative would be than sending weapons to Ukraine, at the end of the day, Russia invaded a sovereign state for having a pro European outlook, if Ukraine wants to join the EU, who is Russia to say no, and what else could the West do to help? Especially now that we've seen Russia perform so poorly Finally, on the Russian media angle, I do agree it contributes to a fog of war with these programs blocked, but if they are espousing pro war talking points or anti EU sentiment - I think sometimes a judgement call has to be made. I'd prefer that nothing was removed but I can see the rationale behind it, it's not like the reverse European or American sources would be broadcast as freely in Russia. It's definitely key to separate the Russian people who oppose the war and those that support and contribute to it, I just feel like this particular conflict is a little more black and white than you've suggested, although the ever present grey streaks are there too of course. Wishing you all the best from Ireland!
David D
2022-06-12 16:33:34 +0000 UTCYou can tell this guy is brilliant through the way he talks about things
GameSimp
2022-06-12 16:00:56 +0000 UTCSanctions are really hard on regular people, I can confirm. It centralizes the power and money towards people in government and of course the rich.
Miky Sh
2022-06-12 11:04:42 +0000 UTC10 minutes into the podcast and I already find it sooo cool 🤩 Growing up in Iran and having a Filipino mom, we used to come to Manila, and visiting toy stores, watching english movies and eating at famous food chains was always a joy.
Miky Sh
2022-06-12 11:03:10 +0000 UTCI've nothing against the Russian people and hope they see Putin for what he's actually doing! Colin, I'm intrigued on what you think should happen as you say the west shouldn't be prolonging the war by sending weapons. What would your policy be?
Zack Fair
2022-06-12 08:45:02 +0000 UTCEisenhower fuckin’ called it. Keep up the awesome content
Ian Hanson
2022-06-12 06:13:39 +0000 UTCHe’s great, very insightful. Would love to see him more especially on spoiler-casts for Atomic Heart and Stalker whenever those come out
Mason M
2022-06-12 04:49:25 +0000 UTCThis was a fantastic episode and to me, shows why sanctions are pointless. It punishes the regular, working people by cutting them off from the rest of the world while the oligarchs can just move their funds and assets around with little to no impact to them.
Ryan Taylor
2022-06-12 00:54:54 +0000 UTCThank you to Colin for having me on the show and to all you guys for all the kind words. I'm hugely proud to be a part of this community and it inspires me to keep making and promoting thoughtful content such as this. Oh and let me know what to grill Colin on for when he, hopefully, comes to my show! :)
Roman K
2022-06-11 23:30:16 +0000 UTCColin, I've been looking forward to this particular episode since you mentioned it. Growing up in Greece, I met plenty of Russian, German, French and so many other nationalities and their kids on vacation every summer. We had so many Russians visiting that fur shops opened up every summer to sell winter clothing for them to take back home! We were business savvy like that in my village. I made friends every summer, even though we could barely communicate they'd bring their Game Boys and let me play, it was an innocent time back then. Every summer I looked forward to seeing my Russian, German friends again. This war isn't on the Russian public and they don't deserve condemnation. I appreciate you exploring this perspective. I look forward to this episode. Thank you Colin for your efforts.
Yiorgos
2022-06-11 22:52:09 +0000 UTCWhy wasn’t this longer. You have to get him back on soon. Great episode, very informative.
Mitchell Lundsberg
2022-06-11 22:46:10 +0000 UTCI'm very thankful to have been born and raised here in the United States and am a proud first generation American. Thank you for these interviews Colin! It gave me another perspective on what's going on in the world right now.
Anthony J Sanchez
2022-06-11 21:16:20 +0000 UTCRoman was rad, if you could get him on for a spoilercast or just more insight, that would be sick.
Hayden Glass
2022-06-11 21:13:54 +0000 UTCThanks for listening. =)
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-11 19:57:15 +0000 UTCI agree. Thanks for listening.
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-11 19:19:45 +0000 UTCGreat episode! Always appreciate having some more insight into situations like this!
James Schubert
2022-06-11 19:19:33 +0000 UTCRussia and Ukraine are full of beautiful people. Thank you for this podcast Colin (and Roman)
Cole
2022-06-11 18:00:12 +0000 UTCThank you for your support. We want to continue to tell lots of different types of stories.
Colin Moriarty
2022-06-11 17:37:34 +0000 UTCThank you, Roman, for coming on the show, and thank you, Colin, for making episodes like this. Dialogue like this is so incredibly important.
David Wilson II
2022-06-11 17:09:52 +0000 UTC
