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Sean Penn could not be at the Oscars because he was with the president of a country at war

While Hollywood celebrated the much-anticipated Oscar ceremony, one of the highlights of the night was the award received by Sean Penn. The actor achieved his third statuette for his portrayal of Colonel Lockjaw in One Battle After Another, the new film by Paul Thomas Anderson. However, Penn was not present at the gala, which drew attention at the event. A man committed to Ukraine The actor’s absence was due to his meeting in Ukraine with President Volodymyr Zelensky. This supportive relationship dates back to the beginning of the […]

While Hollywood celebrated the much-anticipated Oscar ceremony, one of the highlights of the night was the award received by Sean Penn. The actor won his third statuette for his portrayal of Colonel Lockjaw in One Battle After Another, the new film by Paul Thomas Anderson. However, Penn was not present at the gala, which drew attention at the event.

A man committed to Ukraine

The actor’s absence was due to his meeting in Ukraine with President Volodymyr Zelensky. This supportive relationship dates back to the beginning of the Russian invasion, and Zelensky confirmed the meeting by posting a photograph on his social media thanking Penn for his ongoing support. This commitment to humanitarian and political causes has been a constant in the actor’s career, who has stated that his activism is deeply connected to his artistic work.

Kieran Culkin, winner of the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor last year, was the one to accept the award on behalf of Penn. During his speech on the stage of the Dolby Theatre, Culkin made an ironic comment about the actor’s absence, saying: “Sean Penn could not be here tonight, or he did not want to, so I will accept the award on his behalf,” which generated laughter among the attendees.

Penn has previously shared his thoughts on the risks of getting involved in political and social conflicts, emphasizing the importance of contributing in some way. His dedication is not only evident in his personal life but also reflected in his artistic choices. Through his performances and activism, Penn continues to advocate for causes he considers crucial, becoming an active voice on the global stage.

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GSC Game World launches the ultra-hard mode for STALKER 2 despite still playing life on ultra-hard mode: their country is at war

GSC Game World, the Ukrainian studio behind STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, has faced significant challenges in the development of its ambitious project due to the war in Ukraine. Despite the adverse circumstances, the team has managed to release important updates, including the recent patch 1.7, which introduces a territorial control system, the ‘Ultra-Hard’ difficulty, and fixes for over 90 bugs, thus improving the gaming experience. A studio that does not give up Since its release, STALKER 2 has been a commercial success, with over a million copies sold and around six million […]

A study that doesn’t give up

Since its launch, STALKER 2 has been a commercial success, with over a million copies sold and around six million players on Xbox Game Pass. However, GSC Game World does not allow itself to be complacent, as work on the game continues with the production of patches and expansions in development. Zackar Bocharov, the studio’s communication manager, has stated that the main goal of the PS5 version is to take advantage of the DualSense controller’s capabilities to enhance player immersion, integrating features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

Facing the development of STALKER 2 during the war has been a monumental challenge. Vital parts of the team are still working in Ukraine, where power outages and the risks of sending development kits to cities under attack complicate the process. To maintain connectivity, the studio has implemented the use of external batteries and Starlink, creating a network that allows them to operate under adverse conditions.

Bocharov emphasized that, although the team has made significant progress, such as reaching 1.7 in its development, this situation is not entirely normal. The focus on creating post-launch content and DLC has required an internal restructuring, but the goal remains to provide the best experience for players, despite the challenges posed by the current war context.

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A Zoom call could pose a problem for Ukraine's cybersecurity

Cybersecurity researchers have revealed details about a sophisticated phishing campaign called PhantomCaptcha, which targeted organizations involved in humanitarian aid efforts in Ukraine. This attack, which took place on October 8, 2025, targeted members of the International Red Cross, the Norwegian Refugee Council, and UNICEF’s office in Ukraine, among others. Beware of your Zoom! The emails used in the campaign impersonated the Office of the President of Ukraine, sending malicious PDF documents that redirected users to a fake Zoom site. This site, ‘zoomconference.app’, […]

Cybersecurity researchers have revealed details about a sophisticated phishing campaign called PhantomCaptcha, which targeted organizations involved in humanitarian aid efforts in Ukraine. This attack, which took place on October 8, 2025, targeted members of the International Red Cross, the Norwegian Refugee Council, and UNICEF’s office in Ukraine, among others.

Beware of your Zoom!

The emails used in the campaign impersonated the Office of the President of Ukraine, sending malicious PDF documents that redirected users to a fake Zoom site. This site, ‘zoomconference.app’, was only operational for one day, indicating a meticulous approach to the operational security of the attackers.

By clicking on the link, the victims were taken to a fake Cloudflare CAPTCHA page, designed to execute malicious PowerShell commands. This technique, known as ClickFix, acted as an intermediary to establish a WebSocket connection with a server controlled by the attackers, thus allowing the execution of remote commands and data exfiltration.

The malware, which includes an obfuscated downloader, facilitates the acquisition of a second payload, capable of performing reconnaissance on the compromised system. Through the WebSocket connection, attackers can send and receive commands from a remote server, granting them arbitrary access to the affected device.

The campaign was planned since March 2025, demonstrating a high operational capacity and a strong commitment to security. Although it has not been attributed to any known group, similarities have been observed with techniques used by hacker groups linked to Russia, such as COLDRIVER, leaving speculations about its origins open. Observers suggest that this type of infrastructure reflects not only offensive skills but also a deep understanding of evading defensive detection.

One of Sony's consoles was almost not released outside of Japan due to its military capabilities

The PlayStation 2, released in the year 2000, marked a milestone in the history of video games, becoming one of the most beloved consoles and selling over 160 million units worldwide. Its arrival was considered a true technological revolution, thanks to its innovative Emotion Engine, which promised to take 3D graphics to levels never seen before. However, this advancement also raised concerns in the Japanese government, which considered the possibility of restricting its export due to fears that its technology could be used in military applications. A console with a CPU with capabilities […]

The PlayStation 2, launched in 2000, marked a milestone in the history of video games, becoming one of the most beloved consoles and selling over 160 million units worldwide. Its arrival was considered a true technological revolution, thanks to its innovative Emotion Engine, which promised to take 3D graphics to levels never seen before. However, this advancement also raised concerns in the Japanese government, which considered the possibility of restricting its export due to fears that its technology could be used in military applications.

A console with a CPU capable of guiding missiles

Japan debated the need to grant special permits for the export of the console, due to the capabilities of its chips, which could be adapted for calculations aimed at guiding missiles, something that became especially relevant after the sinking of a North Korean spy submarine in 1998, which revealed Japanese technology. In light of this situation, an agreement was reached that allowed the international sale of the product, although with the condition of banning countries like Iran and North Korea from trading the console.

Rumors circulated about alleged massive purchases of PlayStation 2 by Saddam Hussein, who supposedly acquired 4,000 units to control drones. Although these claims were denied by intelligence agencies, in the United States there was an attempt to use the console for technological purposes: between 60 and 70 units were acquired to create a supercomputer, although this attempt was unsuccessful.

The fear that video game technology will be used for military purposes remains relevant; for example, since 2008, a control device similar to video game controllers has been used in military machinery. Moreover, in the current conflict in Ukraine, modified Steam Decks have been observed as remote control devices, highlighting the intersection between entertainment and the military realm in the modern era.

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The creators of World of Tanks are accused of extremist activities by the Russian government

The Russian government has accused Viktor Kisly, owner of Wargaming, and Malik Khatazhaev, owner of Lesta Games, of carrying out “extremist activities” related to the invasion of Ukraine. This accusation has led to the seizure of Lesta group’s assets, creating a climate of tension in the studio that develops the popular video game World of Tanks. A company doing its best for the Ukrainian people Wargaming, founded in Minsk, Belarus in 1998, moved its headquarters to Cyprus in 2011 and formally disconnected from Lesta Games on March 31, 2022, at […]

The Russian government has accused Viktor Kisly, owner of Wargaming, and Malik Khatazhaev, owner of Lesta Games, of carrying out “extremist activities” related to the invasion of Ukraine. This accusation has led to the seizure of the assets of the Lesta group, creating a climate of tension in the studio that develops the popular video game World of Tanks.

A company doing its best for the Ukrainian people

Wargaming, founded in Minsk, Belarus in 1998, moved its headquarters to Cyprus in 2011 and formally disconnected from Lesta Games on March 31, 2022, following the Russian invasion. Despite this separation, the Russian government has decided to act against Lesta, raising questions about the motivations behind this intervention. The Office of the Attorney General of Russia justifies its actions by considering that Khatazhaev and Kisly are part of an association that promotes activities deemed extremist, supporting its claim with Wargaming’s opposition to the invasion and its fundraising efforts for Ukraine.

Wargaming has clarified its stance by taking concrete actions in favor of Ukraine, raising over 1 million dollars through the sale of themed packages in its video games, with the aim of funding ambulances for the country. This context shows a clear antipathy towards the situation created by the invasion, being the subject of investigation by both Russian authorities and the international community.

Despite the tensions, Wargaming has stated that it has no assets or business interests in Russia and Belarus following its “strategic exit” from the market. In a statement, the company claimed to have transferred its business in Russia and Belarus to local management at no cost. For its part, Lesta has stated that it is working with the authorities to resolve this matter as soon as possible.

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World of Tanks is a free multiplayer game that features a massive online gaming community. WoT for Windows throws players into grand tank battles, where they must fight alongside their clan to attain victory. Featuring a large inventory of upgradable tanks, high-end graphics, and streamlined controls, World of Tanks is ideal for players who are fans of tanks and are looking for a game that lets them drive, aim and shoot in large scale open battles.

Stalker 2 will receive its first major patch this week to, let's say, be playable under proper conditions

Stalker 2 has had a disastrous launch. This can only surprise those who are not familiar with the franchise. GSC Game World is known for releasing games full of bugs. All the Stalker games have had to be fixed with time and patience… by the fans. Something that Stalker 2 is going to be the exception. Because according to its developers, they are already working on its first major update. With which they hope the game will be, at least, as functional as a launch game should be. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will be playable without issues very soon In a message they have […]

Stalker 2 has had a disastrous launch. This can only surprise those who are not familiar with the franchise. GSC Game World is known for releasing games full of bugs. All the Stalker games have had to be fixed with time and patience… by the fans. Something that Stalker 2 is going to be the exception. Because according to its developers, they are already working on its first major update. With this, they hope the game will be, at least, as functional as a launch game should be.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will be playable without issues very soon

In a message posted on the game’s Steam page, they confirmed that the patch for both Xbox and PC will arrive this week. The patch will fix numerous errors that were causing crashes to the desktop, bugs that prevented us from progressing in the game, visual bugs, as well as improvements in the interface. Additionally, they will make some adjustments to the gameplay balance.

This will imply two particular things. The first is that the price of weapons with upgrades already installed will change compared to those without. The second is that the behavior of the NPCs will change. Aiming to create a more organic and coherent experience.

GSC Game World wanted to emphasize that their purpose is “to improve the experience of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl.” They assure that “they are very grateful for all your feedback and suggestions for improvement.” After acknowledging, during its launch, that the game had more rough edges than it should have. Even for a newly released game. Something that can be explained when we talk about a Ukrainian studio, working from the Czech Republic, during the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Although due to its technical problems it has not stood out on Metacritic, its fans are delighted with the game. Highlighting how they have managed to recreate the spirit of the previous installments. Making it one of the most interesting games of the year. Although, let’s not deny it, perhaps when they have polished and fixed it a bit more.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl DOWNLOAD

S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl is the long-awaited sequel to the famous post-apocalyptic shooter by GSC Game World. Retaining everything that has made S.T.A.L.K.E.R a cult trilogy, this new installment of the franchise will immerse us in an action and survival experience in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

Is STALKER 2 having problems? Well now their offices are set on fire

The STALKER 2 studio continues to suffer incidents, this time, with something that does not even have to do with their game: they have suffered a fire in their studio.

Making a video game is difficult. It becomes even more challenging when the personal circumstances of those creating it are unstable. This, which may sound obvious and not surprising, painfully becomes true when things go wrong. A war is probably when things cannot get much worse. The war in Ukraine has brutally affected everyone, and particularly GSC Game World.

The developers of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl have had quite tumultuous years. Due to the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, they had to relocate their headquarters to Prague, as they were previously based in Kiev. Some of their developers have lost their lives during the war. They had to ask fans not to share a preliminary version of the game, which was stolen and leaked on the internet by Russian hackers. And in addition to all of that, now, they have suffered another devastating material loss. The building where they work has caught fire.

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As reported by the Czech media outlet Vortexto, a fire occurred last Thursday in the Prague offices of the studio. While there were no injuries, the fire destroyed one of the three floors, which will require a complete reconstruction.

Fans were able to inquire about the well-being of the studio’s staff through their Discord channel. A spokesperson from the studio confirmed the aforementioned information. The fire was successfully extinguished, and while they don’t yet know the details about the accident, an investigation is ongoing. Despite everything, and while this may potentially lead to some form of delay in the game, it will not lead to the cancellation of the game. The development of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl continues.

While it’s not known if there has been any data loss or if there will be any planning issues, it’s said that the affected floor housed the studio’s backup servers, which would have been destroyed. Nevertheless, the studio’s spokesperson remains optimistic that backup copies of all the lost work might be found on the hard drives of the employees’ own computers.

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2024 exclusively for Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PC.

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Ukraine Crisis Causes Setback: Microsoft’s Highly Awaited Game Postponed

STALKER 2 is revealed again, this time to give us bad news, which feels bittersweet: it is delayed, but it looks better than ever in its new trailer.

The war in Ukraine has impacted the world in many unexpected ways. Besides the devastating human toll it’s taking, it’s also having effects on various aspects of life, including the realm of video games. After all, video games are also developed in Ukraine. And while it might be easy to assume that a country at war abandons everything else, that’s not the case. People continue to live their lives and try to maintain some semblance of normalcy, even if it’s often not exactly feasible.

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That’s what happened with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The game by GSC Game World, a studio based in Ukraine known for developing the cult classic S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, has been heavily affected by the war in Ukraine. And that’s not over.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl—originally Heart of Chernobyl but later changed to match Ukrainian pronunciation instead of Russian—was announced on May 15, 2018, to be released in 2023 for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC. At the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, GSC Game World had to pause the game’s development. Although they resumed the game’s development in May 2022, with part of the team relocated to Prague, another part of the team remains in Ukraine. This has led to an official delay of the game, albeit not a significant one: its new release window is the first quarter of 2024.

The game will be a first-person shooter with survival mechanics and elements of immersive simulation and horror, just like the original game. Featuring a cinematic story, it will take us to explore the heart of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, known as the Zone, where anomalies are said to occur, hiding valuable secrets for those who can uncover them.

Despite the delay, a gameplay trailer of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl has been released, showcasing the game’s visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5 and its close connection to the original game. It’s a testament to the creative resilience of the brave individuals at GSC Game World, who haven’t let even the Russia-Ukraine conflict destroy their creative spirit. With its release still on the horizon, the game remains highly anticipated.

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