Russia may impose criminal responsibility for buying Ukrainian video game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is under threat of criminal liability in Russia (Screenshot: IGN)
Ukrainian studio GSC Game World, the creator of the popular S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, could see its latest release, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, banned in Russia, according to Russian media.
Why do Russians want to ban S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2?
The potential ban is based on the developers' financial aid for Ukraine's Armed Forces and allegedly "extremist" content within the game. Russian authorities may view any purchase of the game as financial support for terrorism.
"There could be the most severe measures if illegal content is found in the game upon release, such as extremism, justification of terrorism, or incitement of ethnic hatred," said Anton Gorelkin, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy.
Attorney Mikhail Mushailov warned that Russian users who purchase the game might face criminal charges if evidence of the developers' support for the Ukrainian military is established.
In 2022, GSC Game World announced it would stop selling its products in Russia, including canceling all physical pre-orders. However, methods to bypass these restrictions and access S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 have reportedly surfaced online.
Mikhail Mushailov also advised against attempting to purchase the game unofficially, cautioning that doing so could lead to severe consequences.
Earlier, a new S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 gameplay trailer showcasing significant improvements was dropped online.
Read also how many hours it takes to complete the videogame fully.
