GSC Game World, in collaboration with Xbox, has unveiled an insightful documentary titled “War Game: The Making of STALKER 2.” This film sheds light on the incredibly challenging process of developing the much-anticipated STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, GSC Game World, headquartered in Kyiv, has faced unimaginable hurdles but has pressed forward in creating one of their most ambitious projects to date.
Developing through adversity
Despite the constant threat of war looming over the city of Kyiv, the studio refused to halt production. In an interview with the BBC, Evgeniy Kulik, the technical producer for Heart of Chornobyl, shared a stark reality: “Approximately half of the studio is working under the constant threat of death.” This statement highlights the grave challenges faced by the team as they continued to build the game in a warzone.
Lead producer Mariia Grygorovych recalled the evacuation efforts for the studio’s staff and their families. When the Russian invasion began, the company rented buses to transport more than 180 employees to Ukraine’s western borders. However, despite the danger, 139 developers chose to stay behind, some joining the army while others balanced their work on the game with defense efforts. The bravery and determination of these individuals became a symbol of resilience in the gaming community.
A new beginning in Prague
For those who evacuated, GSC Game World set up a new office in Prague, Czech Republic, where they rebuilt motion capture and audio recording studios from scratch. This second headquarters has allowed the team to continue developing the game while keeping close contact with their colleagues still in Ukraine.
STALKER 2: the biggest project in GSC Game World’s history
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is the most extensive project ever undertaken by GSC Game World. The studio aims to recreate the intense atmosphere that made its predecessors – Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Pripyat – so memorable. Leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 5, STALKER 2 will deliver stunning visuals, an immersive world, and a gripping narrative that fans of the series have come to expect.
In addition, GSC Game World is committed to fostering a community of creators by providing modding tools, allowing players to craft their own experiences and games within the STALKER universe. This decision is set to further enhance the longevity of the game, offering countless hours of new content for fans.
A highly anticipated release
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is set to launch on November 20, 2024, and will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC through platforms such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. Additionally, it will be included in both Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, making it accessible to a broad audience from day one.
Fact check:
- STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is the latest installment in the STALKER series, developed by GSC Game World.
- Evgeniy Kulik is the technical producer for the project.
- Mariia Grygorovych is the lead producer who coordinated the evacuation of the studio’s staff.
- The game is being developed with Unreal Engine 5 and will support modding tools for the community.
- The game’s release is planned for November 20, 2024.
A testament to resilience
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is more than just a video game; it is a testament to the resilience of its creators. In the face of war, GSC Game World’s dedication to their craft is inspiring. Their ability to push forward, even in the darkest times, speaks to the power of art and determination. This game, forged in the crucible of conflict, will undoubtedly be a landmark release, not just for its gameplay, but for the human spirit it represents.
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