Russia’s influence operations in Africa have taken a new turn, one that moves beyond military alliances and diplomatic efforts into the world of gaming. African Dawn, a recently developed modification (mod) for the popular strategy game Hearts of Iron IV, has become a controversial tool in Moscow’s growing soft power strategy on the continent.
Developed by Russian influencer Grigory Korolev, known online as Grisha Putin, and promoted by African Initiative, the game introduces players to a geopolitical conflict centered on the Sahel region. Here, they can align with pro-Russian factions or Western-backed forces, effectively turning the battlefield into an ideological tug-of-war.
Gaming as a Geopolitical Weapon
The release of African Dawn is part of a larger effort by Russia to cultivate influence among African youth, embedding political narratives within interactive entertainment. Unlike traditional propaganda, video games provide an immersive experience, making them a powerful medium for shaping perceptions.
The African Initiative, a Moscow-based news organization with alleged ties to Russian intelligence, has played a key role in the game’s promotion. The organization focuses on amplifying anti-Western rhetoric and has been linked to the Wagner Group through investigative reports by the African Digital Democracy Observatory (ADDO).
This strategy aligns with Russia’s broader efforts to reposition itself as a partner for African nations seeking to distance themselves from former colonial powers. The game’s storyline reinforces this narrative, depicting Western influence as a destabilizing force while presenting Russian-backed alliances as Africa’s path to sovereignty.
Controversy and Persistence
Following its launch in July 2024, African Dawn quickly gained traction but was removed from major gaming platforms due to its political undertones. Despite this, the developers circumvented restrictions by hosting the game on independent servers, ensuring continued access for players.
The mod’s persistence underscores the challenges of regulating politically charged content in digital spaces. While Western governments and tech platforms attempt to curb disinformation and influence campaigns, Russia’s adaptation to new mediums, such as gaming, demonstrates its evolving approach to information warfare.
