What you need to know
- STALKER 2 developer GSC Game World has partnered with Microsoft and film director Andrew Stephan to release a documentary that tells the story of how the studio has created the survival shooter amid Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.
- The 90-minute film is titled “War Game: The Making of S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2,” and includes many personal stories from several GSC employees who either had to evacuate Ukraine or remained in the country to fight or aid their community while continuing to work on the game.
- In addition to chronicling GSC Game World’s struggles during the ongoing conflict, the feature also covers the origins of STALKER and how it grew to become such an important Ukrainian cultural icon.
- Russia’s war has been the direct cause of several STALKER 2 delays, though now the game is scheduled to launch next month on November 20 on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. It will be available to play through Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass.
As a documentary filmmaker with a keen eye for compelling human stories, I found myself utterly captivated by the tale of GSC Game World and their journey to bring STALKER 2 to life. Having spent countless hours delving into the lives of individuals who labor tirelessly behind the scenes in the gaming industry, I’ve come to appreciate the immense pressures they face and the weighty expectations that accompany their work.
Two weeks after unveiling a sneak peek in mid-September, GSC Game World, creators and distributors of STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, have recently made available on their official YouTube channel a full-length documentary called “War Game: The Creation of S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2”. You can view it here by clicking the video below or by using this link to access its webpage directly.
Under the guidance of filmmaker Andrew Stephan and in partnership with Microsoft and Xbox, this 90-minute production tells the challenging tale of GSC Game World’s development of STALKER 2 amidst Russia’s persistent conflict with Ukraine, which expanded into a full-scale invasion in February 2022. The film further delves into the past of GSC and the STALKER series itself, providing insights into the creators’ background, the origins of the franchise, and why STALKER emerged as such a significant cultural symbol for Ukrainians during the post-Soviet period.
This segment highlights numerous anecdotes and testimonials from various staff members at the studio, accompanied by video and visual content produced by both developers and filmmakers. The main focus is on Ievgen Grygorovich, CEO of GSC Game World, and his wife Mariia Grygorovich, STALKER 2’s executive producer, as they share their challenging experience in evacuating 183 employees and their families to Prague, Czech Republic, while simultaneously assisting 139 team members still in Ukraine, many of whom are volunteering for community service and combat duties. Despite these challenges, development on STALKER 2 has persisted, with the game now scheduled for release on November 20 this year.
An incredibly harrowing, yet inspiring story
I was fortunate enough to get an early peek at the documentary from GSC Game World and Microsoft, and let me tell you, it’s a compelling, though emotionally challenging film that I highly recommend. The studio’s tale of resilience and determination is as heartwarming as it is astonishing, and their dedication to creating art amidst displacement and danger fills me with pride to be a fan of STALKER.
One GSC developer explained, “We’re similar to a resilient Ukrainian flag, battered by wind and shelling. Yet we persist as a symbol of determination, having created this game.” Another developer added, “I hope players understand that every narrative, every game element in STALKER, represents someone who pushed past their limits to bring it to fruition.
“Regardless of what others may think, our country is resilient,” another person from the studio remarked. “We can handle a crisis while still creating something beautiful – that’s our essence.
The upcoming video game STALKER 2 is set to debut on November 20, 2024 for both Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC platforms. Pre-orders are already being accepted. Remarkably, the PC edition of the game will also be accessible via Valve’s digital distribution platform, Steam, and it’s currently discounted at CDKeys for $37.49 (original price is $59.99). Additionally, gamers with an Xbox Game Pass subscription can play the shooter version on both Xbox and Microsoft Store.
I’ll wrap up this article by sharing insights from director Andrew Stephan, who aims to evoke empathy for the trials faced by GSC Game World’s team and to encourage a greater understanding of the daunting task that is game development in general through this movie. Here’s his complete statement:
In the scorching summer heat of 2022, I chanced upon an intriguing tale – that of GSC Game World’s epic saga. It was none other than Tina Summerford, an esteemed Xbox programming executive, who enlightened me following the wrap-up of a captivating docu-series marking Microsoft’s 20th Xbox anniversary. With a compact yet passionate team of approximately 300 individuals, this trailblazing independent Ukrainian game development studio was tirelessly working on the eagerly awaited sequel to their 2007 blockbuster hit, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. However, as the specter of war with Russia cast a dark shadow over their horizon, the game’s development and the lives of everyone involved were at risk of being disrupted.
Just before Russia invaded Ukraine, the company’s Executive Producer Mariia Grygorovich, together with her husband, CEO Ievgen Grygorovich, devised an evacuation plan for around 200 employees and their families to nearby Budapest and later Prague. What impressed me wasn’t just the logistical hurdle of carrying on game development under such conditions, but the fact that some team members who remained put swapped their keyboards for weapons. These incredibly patriotic Ukrainians battled on the front lines during the day and continued working on the game at night – a remarkable dedication to both their country and profession.
I often feel compassionate towards game developers who work under heavy pressure and high expectations, only to be met with harsh criticism when things don’t go as intended. Fans, fueled by their deep affection for these gaming series, sometimes forget that there are real people behind the scenes, bringing these cherished fictional games to life.
From the moment I delved into their game development journey, even before the setbacks that later affected S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, I came across numerous complaints from fans and critics criticizing the studio for taking too long to complete the game. What struck me was how this lengthy process provided a unique chance to portray the human side of video game creation. This tale offered me an opportunity to delve into a subject I’ve always enjoyed exploring: uncovering the human dimensions that typically resonate only with a niche audience, making them more relatable and captivating for a broader public. GSC Game World’s journey isn’t confined to gamers; it’s a compelling narrative that bridges gaming, culture, business, and global events. This film isn’t solely about the most difficult game development ever; it’s about perseverance, the indomitable human spirit in the face of extraordinary difficulties. It’s about the significance of creation amidst destruction…a defiant act of creating something meaningful in the midst of adversity.
In making this movie, I aim to evoke a stronger sense of empathy for the struggles faced by the team at GSC Game World, as well as to inspire a deeper admiration for the colossal task that is game development.
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2024-10-03 16:09