Stalker 2: 'We want to show Ukraine can make great games'

Stalker 2 is an upcoming video game that has generated a lot of excitement among fans. Developed by GSC Game World, a studio based in Kyiv, Ukraine, the game is set in the hauntingly famous Chernobyl area, known for the catastrophic nuclear disaster that occurred in 1986. The game aims to recreate the eerie atmosphere of the abandoned town of Pripyat, featuring iconic landmarks like the decaying ferris wheel. The developers are determined to showcase Ukraine's ability to produce high-quality games, even amidst the ongoing war. Evgeniy Kulik, a technical producer for Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, shared that many of his colleagues are working under the constant threat of danger due to the war. The team has faced immense challenges, including the loss of friends and coworkers, but they remain committed to completing the game. The original Stalker game, released in 2007, was set in an alternate timeline where a second nuclear disaster had occurred, leading to the emergence of mutant creatures and a post-apocalyptic world. Players took on the role of a character navigating this dangerous environment, filled with factions vying for control. The decision to set the game in Chernobyl was controversial, as one developer noted that 'the blood was still warm and it flowed in our veins' even three decades later. However, the game was a massive success, and Stalker 2 was first announced in 2010, with plans to build on the original's survival gameplay. Initially, the game was set to be released in April 2022, but the Russian invasion of Ukraine forced the developers to rethink their plans. Lead producer Mariia Grygorovych took swift action to evacuate the team from Kyiv as the threat of invasion loomed. Buses were arranged to transport employees and their families to safety, and over 180 people made the journey while 139 chose to stay behind to support the war effort. Some team members joined the military, while others continued to work on Stalker 2 in between their duties. Those who evacuated established a new studio in Prague, Czech Republic, where they rebuilt their motion capture and audio facilities from scratch. The documentary about the making of the game highlights the resilience of the team, with members who stayed in Ukraine discussing their dual roles of fighting for their country while working on the game. 'We load our weapons with one hand and make our game with the other,' one developer remarked. The game has undergone significant changes since the war began, including a shift in its subtitle to Heart of Chornobyl, reflecting the Ukrainian spelling. Russian voiceovers and subtitles have been removed, and GSC Game World has decided not to release the game in Russia. The developers have faced attempts to hack their servers, which they attribute to the ongoing conflict. Evgeniy expressed disappointment over the lack of support from some of Stalker 2's Russian fans during the early days of the war, stating, 'We tried to get some support from those people, but instead we received a lot of negativity. ' Despite these challenges, the team remains focused on their mission. They believe that creating Stalker 2 is not only a testament to their dedication but also a way to honor their colleagues who have lost their lives, such as Volodymyr Yehzov, a developer who was killed while defending Bahkmut. 'All those people really worked hard to make this happen, and we should really push forward to make this happen and appreciate their effort,' Evgeniy said. The developers want to remind the world that Ukraine is capable of producing great games, just like it has done in the past. They see games as an essential part of culture, alongside music, movies, and art. Stalker 2 is set to be released on PC and Xbox in November, and the documentary about its making is already available for viewers.