Stalker 2 Devs Discuss Delays And Development

Stalker 2 Devs Discuss Delays And Development

Key Takeaways

  • Although more polish is needed, a November 2024 release date is looking good for the developers of Stalker 2.
  • The team has persevered through rough development via hard work and help from Microsoft.
  • Tons of love has gone out to longtime fans, with confirmed mod support and DLC coming sometime after launch.

As a long-time fan of the original Stalker games and the Roadside Picnic novels, I must admit that my heart skipped a beat when I heard about the latest developments regarding Stalker 2. The journey this game has taken has been nothing short of tumultuous, from its initial delays to the setbacks caused by external factors such as the war in Ukraine. Yet, despite all these challenges, the developers at GSC Game World have persevered with an unwavering passion that is truly captivating.


At a recent interview during Gamescom 2024 with TheGamer, developers of the game Stalker 2, GSC Game World, openly shared about the ups and downs they encountered during development that culminated in their latest build presented at the Gamescom event. They also acknowledged the valuable assistance Microsoft has been extending to their team throughout the process.

Initially slated for a December 2022 launch, Stalker 2 was later moved to 2023, and then again to September 2024. However, the developers have now announced that they are pushing it back once more to November 2024. This extension in the release date is intended to provide them with additional time to perfect and finalize the game.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including temporarily abandoning their workspaces due to the Russian attacks in Ukraine in 2022, the developers’ unwavering enthusiasm for creating an exceptional game for enthusiasts is truly inspiring. This dedication has placed Stalker 2 among the most highly anticipated upcoming video games of the year.

A Development Full Of Twists And Turns

Stalker 2 Devs Discuss Delays And Development

Outer circumstances, like the conflict in Ukraine beforehand, caused some hurdles in our progress. Fortunately, the primary cause of the latest setback is something less complicated: our team desired additional time to perfect the expansive universe they’re constructing.

In the course of the discussion, it was mentioned that the game might require around 25 to 40 hours of playtime in a sprawling environment covering approximately 64 square kilometers or roughly 40 square miles.

It’s encouraging to know that they are devoting sufficient time to make sure the entire game, not just the opening area, lives up to its full potential in terms of quality.

Although two distinct editions of this game were developed in 2010 and 2020, it’s clear that this most recent version has made significant strides. The team is genuinely pleased with the results and taken aback by the positive response from fans during the recent showcase.

At Gamescom 2024, I’ve been feeling a bit on edge regarding the latest game build. The interview reveals that it’s been quite some time since we received any external feedback on this build.

Based on the favorable responses we’ve received about the recent unveiling, it’s likely that they are quite satisfied with how the presentation turned out.

The Valuable Support Of Microsoft

Stalker 2 Devs Discuss Delays And Development

Initially, Stalker 2 will be exclusively available on Xbox for a limited period of time. The game will run smoothly at 60 frames per second on the Xbox Series X, while on the Xbox Series S it’s expected to run at approximately 35 frames per second.

It’s great to see a first-person game that doesn’t sacrifice graphics and still hits around 60 fps on the console. Unfortunately, many other tiles, such as the Xbox exclusive Avowed, can’t even hit this benchmark.

At GSC Games World, we shine a light on Microsoft and their substantial assistance and backing towards our team. In light of the developers’ fervor and special circumstances, it’s only fitting that they are given ample time to create Stalker 2 as an extraordinary masterpiece.

As a gamer, I can’t help but acknowledge the importance of backing indie developers, especially in light of recent cyber-attacks like the one on Stalker 2’s data. Supporting big companies means we’re helping smaller teams stand strong against adversity. Zakhar Bocharov, their PR manager, put it perfectly when he said: “Having a big company backing us gives our small team the firepower to face any challenge.

Microsoft shows no pressure regarding the deadline or specific content… Frankly, I didn’t anticipate such backing from a company this large.

Despite raising doubts about Microsoft’s interactions with small studios following the recent incident with Enotria: The Last Song, it’s evident that their laissez-faire strategy in this case has granted the developers the creative liberty we appreciate.

Love To The Fans And Modders

Stalker 2 Devs Discuss Delays And Development

In summary, a key point discussed in this interview was the developers’ perspective on the modding community and fans who continue to breathe life into their game. It might surprise you to learn that the modding scene for the original trilogy of Stalker games, released from 2007 to 2010, has played a significant role in preserving these titles.

Not only is this upcoming game expected to be fantastic on its own, but the developers have also shared their plans to offer support for mod creators after its launch.

Alongside the fan modding kit, they’ll offer some downloadable content as well, striving to make Stalker 2 robust enough to maintain the series’ longevity and vitality.

Being a devoted admirer of both the Stalker game series and its source material, Roadside Picnic, witnessing such dedication from the developers in their recent conversation left me thrilled. Can’t wait to immerse myself once again in the world of Stalker 2!

Following a bumpy and challenging beginning, the November launch period now seems more promising than ever, and we can’t wait to mark it on our calendars to explore the extraordinary universe that GDC Game World has created for us.

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2024-09-10 14:40