The shooter STALKER 2 is probably the most prominent victim of the Russia-Ukraine war currently in development within the games industry, after all the makers are based in Kyiv. However, further work could be relocated in the future.
The promising STALKER 2 – Heart of Chornobyl has not only recently been adapted in terms of the Ukrainian spelling of the subtitle, the project is currently on hold due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Background: Developer GSC Game World normally operates from Kyiv, but due to the war normal working is no longer an option.
A few weeks ago, GSC Game World confirmed that they wanted to continue working on the game after “the victory of Ukraine” – but then apparently no longer in Ukraine itself. According to a new report, the studio is currently looking for alternatives, to ensure a safe working environment in the future.
In the medium term, the Czech Republic could now be the destination for GSC Game World; a corresponding relocation is apparently already being prepared behind the scenes. This is suggested by new statements by the President of the Association of Czech Game Developers, Pavel Barák. GSC Game World has already received inquiries about this. The Czech association has therefore already advised the developer on legal issues and also on employment relationships in the Czech Republic.
And Petr Kolar from Ashborne Games in Brno, Czech Republic, also confirmed that they had already been in contact with GSC Game World regarding a location relocation, as did Jan Kavan from the Czech studio CBD Software. An official announcement of such a seat relocation is still pending from GSC Game World. Nevertheless, while the war in Ukraine rages on, plans for the further development of STALKER 2 continue. Some employees are said to have already been transferred from Kyiv to an office in Prague; in the future, the entire workforce could possibly follow.
For the new STALKER, there was not only a trailer at the Microsoft Bethesda Showcase, but also a date, namely April 28, 2022.
