Stalker 2 on hold, Ukraine-based developer confirms Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Stalker 2 on hold, Ukraine-based developer confirms UPDATE: Kyiv-based studio appears to have re-named game. News by Tom Phillips Deputy Editor Updated on 14 Mar 2022 26 comments UPDATE 14/3/22: Stalker developer GSC Game World appears to have subtly changed the name of its upcoming and now on-hold sequel. Its full title, Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl, has been altered on Steam to Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl - reflecting the Romanised Ukrainian version of the name, rather than its original (which is based on the Romanised Russian). GSC hasn't yet commented on the change, spotted by GamesRadar, although it's not difficult to see why it has been made. Earlier this month, GSC said its work on Stalker 2 had been paused while its Kyiv-based employees were sheltering from the devastating Russian invasion of Ukraine. More on that below. ORIGINAL STORY 3/3/22: Stalker developer GSC Game World has released a video update, following fan concern for the studio. The company is based in Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, which has been repeatedly targeted during the ongoing Russian invasion. Development of Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl has now been paused, the studio said, but will resume upon Ukraine's "victory". A warning, some of the footage of the conflict shown in the video below may be distressing. The video begins with a recap from GSC on what it had previously been working on: a video from its motion capture studio to show fans how the game's cutscenes were being created. "The previous week was ages ago," GSC said today. "Our country is forced to fight for its existence again. Seems like this is the price of freedom. "This video is our answer to 'How are you guys?' question. Now we are striving to help our employees and their families to survive. "The game development shifted to the sidelines. But we will definitely continue. After the victory. Glory to Ukraine." Stalker 2 had been scheduled for release this December on PC and Xbox Series X/S. Game developers in Ukraine spoken out in the face of the Russian invasion - but there's now a call for companies outside the country to do more. Yesterday, Ukraine's deputy prime minister has called on PlayStation and Xbox to stop supporting the Russian market completely. EA, meanwhile, will remove Russia from FIFA 22. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store