In a recentinterview with TheGamerduring Gamescom 2024, the developers ofStalker 2, GSC Game World, discussed in detail the development highs and lows that led up to their latest build at the Gamescom showcase, along with the thoughtful help Microsoft has been providing to their team.
Currently,Stalker 2is set for a November 2024 release date. Even though the date has shifted from December 2022 to 2023 and then further back to September 2024, the devs recently gave thenew final release windowin November to allow themselves more time for polish and finalization.
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Although this has been a difficult journey, with the developers even having to leave their offices during theRussian attacks on Ukrainein 2022,their evident passion for releasing a fantastic game for fans is captivating, makingStalker 2one of this year’s most promising upcoming titles.
A Development Full Of Twists And Turns
External reasons, such as the previously mentioned war in Ukraine, led to development roadblocks. Luckily, the internal reason behind the most recent delay is simply thatthe team wanted more time to polish the large world they are creating.
During the interview, they stated that the game would likely take between 25 and 40 hours to completewithin a vast worldof about 64 square kilometers (~40 square miles).
With the only fully polished part of the game currently being the opening area,we’re glad to see them taking the time to ensure the rest of the game will be as high-quality as possible.
Even though two separateversions of this gamewere created in 2010 and 2020, this third iteration has easily gone the farthest. The team is much happier with the outcome and surprised at the fan reception at the latest showcase.
They initially appeared stressed about the latest build at Gamescom 2024; the interview states that they have come “a long period of time with no external feedback on the build.”
Yet, given the positive feedback we’ve heard from this latest reveal, they’re likely very pleased with how the showcase has gone.
The Valuable Support Of Microsoft
Stalker 2will initially have a temporary exclusivity deal with Xbox, with the latest release getting a stable 60 fps on the Series X console and around 35 on the Series S.
It’s great to see a first-person gamethat doesn’t sacrifice graphics and still hits around 60 fps on the console. Unfortunately, many other tiles, such as the Xbox exclusiveAvowed, can’t even hit this benchmark.
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GSC Games World spotlights Microsoft and its massive help and support for the team.For Stalker 2, the developers' passion and unique situation clearly warrant their extended time to make this a masterpiece.
Especially considering aprevious Russian hack, which leaked a lot ofStalker 2’s data, support for a big company allows the smaller team to have a heavy hitter backing them up. PR manager Zakhar Bocharov stated that:
Microsoft doesn’t put any demands in terms of the release date or the content… Personally, I never expected a corporation of this size to be so supportive.
Although a recent situation withEnotria: The Last Songhad us questioning Microsoft’scommunication with smaller studios, it’s clear that with this release, their hands-off approach has given the developers the sort of freedom we love to see.
Love To The Fans And Modders
To cap this whole thing off, one of the most important aspects shared in this recent interview was the developers' take on the modding scene and the fans who keep their game alive. If you didn’t know,the modding scenefor the original trilogy ofStalkergames, released between 2007 and 2010, has largely helped preserve these titles.
Although this new game will likely be amazing in its own right, the devs explained how"after the release, we are going to provide support for modders.”
In addition to this modding kit for the fans, they will also provide some DLC and do their best to ensureStalker 2has the legs to keep the franchise alive and breathing.
It’s beautiful to see a developer care so much for their fans.As a fan of both theStalkergames and the book the games are based on, Roadside Picnic, this latest discussion was a huge win, and I can’t wait to playStalker 2.
After a rough, rocky start, the November release window looks brighter than ever, and we’re sure to pin it on our calendars to dive into this unique world GDC Game World has crafted for us.
