Eagerly Awaited Ukrainian Video Game Finally Released Despite Ongoing War
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Loading... - Grant Berger
- 11 Dec 2024
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After more than two years of delays, the Ukrainian game studio GSC Game World has finally released the highly anticipated title, ‘S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl.’ This sequel to the beloved 2007 game ‘S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl’ marks the fourth installment in the franchise, following the last release, ‘S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat,’ which came out 15 years ago.
The original game was a critical and commercial success, celebrated for its immersive setting in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, non-linear storytelling, and engaging gameplay. When GSC Game World announced the development of a new title in 2018, fans were eager for a new chapter in this post-apocalyptic series. However, the release, initially slated for April 2022, was abruptly halted due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which forced many of the studio's staff to flee the country to escape the violence.
In a significant move reflecting the ongoing conflict, the game’s title was changed to use the Ukrainian spelling "Chornobyl" instead of the Russian "Chernobyl." Tragically, the studio lost one of its former developers, Volodymyr Yezhov, who was killed in action in Bakhmut in December 2022.
GSC Game World eventually relocated to a temporary office in Prague, allowing development to continue under challenging circumstances. The team faced numerous obstacles, including blackouts, military strikes, and cyberattacks from Russian hackers. The game was officially released on November 20, and prior to its launch, it had already topped the Steam charts due to strong presales. Within just 48 hours of its release, ‘S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl’ sold over a million copies.
In a documentary released alongside the game, lead concept artist Anton Kukhtytskyi shared his harrowing experience during the invasion, describing how he and his family took refuge in a cellar. “Sitting in that cellar with my wife and my cats, I felt like I was abandoned. But like a ‘stalker’, you have to learn how to live in such a situation,” he recounted, explaining how he adapted by drawing on paper to continue his work.
While some staff members were able to relocate to Prague, others chose to fight or lost contact with the studio, necessitating a recasting of voice actors. Despite the technical issues that have arisen since the release, the game has received positive feedback, and GSC Game World has committed to addressing these concerns.
The release of ‘S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl’ stands as a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian gaming industry amid the ongoing conflict, showcasing the dedication and creativity of its developers.
