S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 blocked in Russia: Latest updates on Ukrainian game
Developers of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 declared an "undesirable organization" in Russia (collage: RBC-Ukraine)
The Russian Prosecutor General's Office has added the Ukrainian studio GSC Game World, the developer of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, to the list of "undesirable organizations," according to Russian media. Formally, this means a complete ban on the company's activities in Russia and restrictions for anyone interacting with its products
What is known
According to the Russian authorities, the studio's activities are considered potentially threatening to Russia's constitutional order and security. The statement claims that the company allegedly financially supported the Ukrainian Armed Forces and included content in its games, including S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, which the Russian side interprets as "aggressively Russophobic."
The Russian Prosecutor General's Office noted that in 2022, GSC Game World's management transferred nearly $17 million to a fund supporting Ukrainian soldiers, which was used to purchase strike drones, drone components, and vehicles. In 2024, the studio released S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, which the Russian authorities consider to promote Ukrainian narratives.
Possible consequences and risks for gamers
Experts note that the "undesirable organization" status creates risks not only for the company but also for those who distribute, promote, or participate in the publication of its materials. This usually includes:
- Official streams or broadcasts
- Sharing game content
- Business relations with the company.
Lawyers warn that any transactions directly with the company could be considered financing the activities of an "undesirable organization," which carries criminal liability.
At the same time, games are typically purchased through online platforms (such as Steam, Xbox, or PlayStation), and it is unclear whether Russian authorities can track transactions abroad. The developers have already blocked the ability to purchase the game from Russian accounts after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
About GSC Game World
GSC Game World is a Ukrainian studio based in Kyiv, known for the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, which focuses on Chernobyl city and the Exclusion Zone, as well as the strategy game Cossacks. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, released in 2024, gained wide popularity on the international market.
The company publicly supports Ukraine, donating to the Armed Forces: in February 2024, studio head Eugene Grigorovich reported transferring about 80% of his assets. The studio's fund, Lesia UA, produces drones for the Ukrainian army. In December 2022, one of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. developers, Ukrainian game designer Volodymyr Yezhov, was killed in the fighting near Bakhmut.
Earlier, we compiled 20 reasons why it is worth playing S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.
