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 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.