Ukrainian STALKER 2 Devs Suffer Russia-Linked Data Attacks for Months

STALKER 2’s Devs Face a Second Russian Threat

The development of STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl has kept moving forward, though its pace has slowed. But it’s understandable: the developers are the Ukrainian-based GSC Game World, and there’s something of an international war effort going on.

Because apparently the studio hasn’t had enough Russian interference, they’ve come under fire from some Russian hackers. But this isn’t related to the Russian government – just a Russian-based forum this time. And according to the studio’s statement, it’s apparently been “more than a year” of attacks.

It’s the standard game-hack fare. Data, including spoilers, have been stolen, and the hackers are making demands that, if met, will buy their silence.

STALKER 2’s devs have released their reply:

The hackers’ demands are as follows:

  • “Change your mind, rethink your attitude towards players from Belarus and Russia, apologize for the unworthy attitude towards ordinary players from these countries.
  • We suggest unbanning the NF Star profile in your official Discord – you banned me for nothing, because of this I had to stop holding back.
  • A separate issue is the return of ru-localization. Fans are waiting for it from your official company. It is not necessary to spoil the game for people because of politics.”

STALKER 2

The hackers’ derision towards politics as something to influence development seems… well, it’s an interesting take, to say the least. It’s hard to fault a studio from being upset by an act of war, but these hackers are determined to make that argument regardless.

It’s safe to say they won’t find success.

We are a Ukrainian company, and like most Ukrainians, we have experienced many things that are much more terrifying.” says the STALKER 2 Devs. “Attempts to blackmail us are completely futile.

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