GSC Game World faced significant challenges during the development of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, turning the project into a statement of defiance during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Many of the developers chose to stay in Kyiv despite the dangers, reflecting the resilience of their country. Their determination to complete the game intertwined with the ongoing war, with developers expressing deep emotional ties to their homeland and a strong desire to persevere against the odds, even as they witness the destruction around them.
"I don't want to leave. I won't forgive myself," narrative designer Maksym Hnatkov told us as part of our GameSpot Insider documentary on Stalker 2's development. "I don't know--I was pissed. I was angry. At that point in time, leaving was not an option and staying wasn't that scary."
For some of those who chose to evacuate, eventually arriving in Prague by way of Budapest, the early days of the war--when the Donetsk oblast was first occupied by pro-Russian separatists in 2014--played a key role in their decision. Lead community manager Yevhen Bazarov remembers the chaos in the area during this period.
Though the city hasn't been subjected to large-scale battles since the early days of the war, it has been the frequent target of deadly drone attacks, missiles, and airstrikes.
GSC Game World went through far more harrowing events than most game developers--or people--ever will, during the development of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl.
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