The highly anticipated video game Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, developed by GSC Game World, has faced numerous challenges during its production, including the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Despite the difficult circumstances, the team at GSC Game World has persevered, with some members even working under the constant threat of being killed.
The game is set in the aftermath of a nuclear disaster at the Chernobyl power plant, where players navigate a post-apocalyptic setting filled with mutant creatures and warring factions. The decision to set the game at the site of the real-life Chernobyl disaster was controversial, but the original Stalker game was a hit when it was released in 2007.
As the team worked towards a release date in April 2022, Russian troops began crossing the border into Ukraine, sparking a full-scale war. Lead producer Mariia Grygorovych made plans to evacuate the team from Kyiv, with some members choosing to stay behind and join the war effort.
Despite the challenges, the team at GSC Game World remained dedicated to completing Stalker 2, even setting up a second studio in Prague, Czech Republic, to continue development. The game’s subtitle was changed to Heart of Chornobyl to reflect the Ukrainian spelling of the name, and Russian voiceovers and subtitles were removed.
The team has also refused to release the game in Russia, citing regular attempts to hack their servers and the unsupportive attitude of many Russian fans. Despite these obstacles, the developers remain committed to completing the game as a tribute to their colleagues who have lost their lives in the conflict.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is now set to be released on PC and Xbox in November, showcasing the resilience and determination of the team at GSC Game World in the face of adversity. The documentary “War Game: The Making of Stalker 2” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges the team has faced and their unwavering commitment to seeing the project through to completion.
