STALKER 2 is one of the few games that will have a full Ukrainian localization. Unlike the first part, it will be released immediately with Ukrainian and English dubbing. But the Russian dubbing was abandoned, leaving only the translation of subtitles and the game interface. This is not the only de-Russification in the new game in the series; even the name has changed.
If in 2007 none of the developers particularly thought about the transliteration of the name Chernobyl, then it was made according to the Russian spelling – Chernobyl, but now the fundamental point is that the transliteration should be according to the Ukrainian spelling – Chornobyl.
In addition, the game will not be sold in Russia, which is waging war against Ukraine, and its ally Belarus. After the invasion of Ukraine began, the GSC Game World studio condemned the actions of Russian troops and announced the cessation of sales of its products in this country.
The developers called on fans to support their country in the war and independently collected 800 thousand. dollars The studio donated these funds to the Ukrainian charitable foundation “Come Back Alive,” which raises money to support the army and purchase equipment, drones and medical aid for the military.
In Russia, in response, they blocked access to the developers’ websites and the new game in the series. In May 2024, the Come Back Alive Foundation was added to the list of “undesirable organizations.” According to current Russian laws, supporting and financing Ukrainian organizations can be regarded as high treason.
This is exactly what will scare Russian fans of the game today. Russian lawyers also warn fans against purchasing the game, noting that in the current Russian realities it will be easy to prove that the player was sufficiently informed that GSC Game World provides financial support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
This may also be relevant for players from Belarus, where repressive practices are expanding daily, and supporting Ukraine in any form is an unspoken crime.
Russia is also going to look for extremism in the game, justification of terrorism, incitement of ethnic hatred, etc., which will allow Roskomnadzor to officially ban access to it.
In Ukraine itself, the release of the long-awaited game caused euphoria. Local providers have recorded slower home internet speeds as massive game downloads overloaded their networks.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.