Stalker 2 changes its name in a subtle, pro-Ukrainian streak

Stalker 2 developer GSC Game World is in a bad spot, both literally and figuratively. The studio is located in Ukraine, which is still occupied by Russian invaders. The Stalker 2 team found a great way to get it to the invaders, but it’s pretty easy to miss.

AnastielBR_, ResetEra forum user, spotted the change and shared it in a thread. If you check Stalker 2’s Steam page, you can see that the title now differs by a single letter. The subtitle is now Heart of Chernobyl (note the O) and no longer Heart of Chernobyl (with an E). Why the change? Simple: Chernobyl is the Ukrainian spelling for the meltdown site, while the other is the Russian spelling. It’s a small but bold way of standing firm amid the ongoing crisis.

It’s not the first time GSC Game World has raised its voice on this issue. The studio urged video game companies to “help those in need” as the invasion began. This has also prompted the team to pause development of the game to focus on the safety of its employees and their families. “After the victory” over Russia things will go uphill again, says GSC boldly. Stalker 2 has already been pushed back once, so waiting a little longer for a new release date is nothing. It’s probably the most understandable game lag ever.