Russia gets its own alternative to Google Play Store

Russia gets a Russian alternative to the Google Play Store. The development of the NashStore is with a non-profit and the alternative download store is due to go live on May 9. The project site is live.

NashStore

The step is necessary, because Russians can no longer take out paid apps and subscriptions via the Play Store, says nonprofit ANO Digital Platforms. That organization develops the alternative download store, which, among other things, promises ways for Russian developers to earn money from apps and says it charges relatively little commission.

The site for the NashStore is already live. The name means ‘our shop’ and should be released on 9 May, the day of the commemoration of the victory over the Germans in the Second World War. It is unknown which payment methods will be available in the download store upon release and whether developers from outside Russia want to and will participate.

The announcement comes after Google suspended payments in the Play Store due to sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, allowing users to install free apps only from within the software. ANO Digital Platforms also says it is preparing for a time when Google withdraws completely from Russia.