In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, GSC Game World has changed the spelling of the forthcoming STAHL2: Heart of Chernobyl, which is scheduled for release on November 28th. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has been delayed due to the ongoing crisis, which has, understandably, affected many of the company’s employees, according to the Ukrainian studio. The video gaming industry has united with a slew of others in opposing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia’s government has taken action against some Eastern European and Western game creators and publishers by blocking off sales and digital marketplaces to Russia. Ukraine’s expanding video game industry is home to more than just S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, which is one of the most eagerly awaited titles to come out of the nation.
Poland’s film studios have also been vocal in their opposition to the conflict, releasing open letters of denunciation against Russia and donating to Ukraine in different ways. The game is garnering a lot of attention, even outside of Ukraine, despite the short-lived S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 NFT issue. However, a new PC Gamer storey suggests that the game is undergoing a minor name change. Instead of Chernobyl’s Heart, the film’s subtitle has been changed to Heart of Chornobyl. No word from GSC Game World, however, the original title spelt Chernobyl with Russian lettering, but the current title uses Ukrainian spelling, therefore it appears likely that this was done in protest of the Russian invasion.
To be clear, the spelling of the game’s name has not yet been changed in any of the game’s websites or descriptions. It’s evident that the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 developer is more influenced by this war than other gaming organisations even though they are united by large corporations like PlayStation in their opposition to the Russian government. Ukraine has received a great deal of support from gaming communities throughout the world, but nothing compares to actually being in the middle of the fight. Those working at GSC Game World, as well as the rest of the country, can only hope for the best.
Ukraine’s civil conflict is continuing, and the gaming community’s opposition must be as well. Gaming firms may or may not continue to speak out against Russia in the future, but it is probable that more corporations will find methods to do so if the situation continues to deteriorate. Despite the high level of excitement around STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, gamers will have to wait as long as they can stand behind GSC Game World before they can get their hands on the game.