The story begins in 1995, when two brothers, Ievgen and Sergiy Grygorovich, pursued their dream of game development, inspired by the gift of a computer from their father. What started as a modest venture – a small group working out of a two-bedroom apartment – grew into a powerhouse known worldwide for hits like Cossacks and the original STALKERS Franchise. But now that the 300-person GSC Game World team is about to develop STALKERS 2Their biggest challenge isn’t technical delays or design changes – it’s surviving a war.
As the political conflict escalated, the risks for GSC Game World also increased. The team, led by Ievgen and his wife Mariia, had to balance the development of a blockbuster game with the urgent need to protect their people. In a remarkable act of leadership, Mariia initiated the evacuation of the company’s employees, moving many of them from Ukraine to Budapest. The evacuation was a daunting operation full of logistical nightmares and heartbreaking moments – crossing borders on foot, navigating blocked roads and overcoming the sheer chaos of a country on the brink of war.
But the team’s problems didn’t end at the border. Two-thirds of GSC Game World’s employees were displaced and had to rebuild their lives from scratch while continuing to work STALKERS 2. With some colleagues left behind to fight at the front, the emotional toll was immense. The documentary follows this fractured team as they adjust to life in exile, dealing with everything from airstrikes to hacking attempts, and yet never giving up their will to finish the game.
As the film returns to Gamescom 2023, the reality of the team’s problems comes to a head. The demo of STALKERS 2 has received mixed reactions – some fans praise the progress, others note the technical imperfections. But for GSC Game World, this moment means much more than just feedback. It is a testament to their resilience and their ability to move forward despite all odds.
While the road to releasing a full AAA title is long, the team’s determination is as strong as ever. For her, STALKERS 2 is not just a game – it is a symbol of defiance, survival and their unbreakable spirit. They declare: “We will make the game great and the world will see it!”
The film lets the audience experience this extraordinary story from the front row. Through emotional interviews, personal videos and archival footage, we witness the toll war takes on the individual, but also the power of community and creativity. From office desks to battlefield trenches, the documentary captures the stark reality of living in two worlds at once and celebrates the resilience of those who fight for their dreams even as the world collapses around them.
War Game: The Making of STALKER 2 is not just a story of game development – it is a story of survival, hope and the resilient human spirit. You can watch the full documentary now on the Xbox YouTube channel.
