About the author

About Alexander Sylazhov

Alexander Sylazhov is a writer, translator, and language enthusiast fascinated by the former Soviet and current Russian world and how it’s represented in media—especially video games. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Russian, he explores the intersection of storytelling, history, and culture, analyzing how Russia and the former Soviet Union are portrayed in interactive entertainment.

Through thoughtful commentary and translation work, he aims to bridge cultural gaps and spark deeper discussions about the way games shape our perceptions of different nations. Whether you're a native Russian speaker or a foreigner drawn to the language and culture, this space is for anyone curious about gaming, storytelling, and the world behind the screen.

About the ROMANOV Archive

ROMANOV (Russian-Originated Media Archetypes & Narratives in Occidental Videogames) is a research initiative and digital archive focused on the intersection of Russian identity and global gaming culture.

Our Mission

To catalog and analyze: every Western game that features Russian characters, settings, language, or themes—as well as Russian-developed games that gained recognition in the West. We provide context-rich interpretations that go beyond surface-level stereotypes.
To preserve and spotlight: lesser-known, forgotten, or overlooked games that deserve renewed attention for their artistic, cultural, or historical value.
To support game developers: by promoting creators who engage thoughtfully with Russian themes or come from Russian-speaking backgrounds.
To foster cultural understanding: by using games as a bridge to the Russian language, history, and identity—making these accessible and engaging to non-Russian speakers and the curious alike.

Join us as we explore the stories, symbols, and stereotypes woven into the digital landscape of post-Soviet fiction.