Ukraine-based Game Developer GSC Game World Hacked by Pro-Russian Group

The Ukrainian developer of Stalker 2, GSC Game World, has confirmed that it has been hacked. According to a statement from the company, the hacker is blackmailing the company unless specific demands are met. The hacker has threatened to leak the data if the developer does not meet the demands by March 15. 

The Ukrainian developer has confirmed that an anonymous Russian user has taken responsibility for the hack. The hacker posted on the Russian social media network VK, claiming to have gained access to 30 gigabytes of information. The information includes concept art, environmental art, maps, and in-game screenshots and cutscenes that reveal the game’s story. The hacker has demanded that GSC Game World soften its attitude toward Russian and Belarusian fans and unban a specific account on the game’s official Discord channel. The hacker also demands that the developer provide an official Russian-language localization for the game.

GSC Game World Remain Strong and Courageous

A message from GSC Game World team pic.twitter.com/rqRM0tFZmO

— S.T.A.L.K.E.R. OFFICIAL (@stalker_thegame) March 12, 2023

Developers at GSC Game World have now said that they will not meet any of those demands.

“Despite the attempts to break us, we remain strong and courageous,” GSC said. “In the event of any leaks, we ask that you refrain from watching or distributing information about STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Outdated and work-in-progress materials may dilute the impression of the final idea we have put into the game.”

The company also said,

“This is not the first attempt to hack and leak our data, including personal information.” We have been through a lot. However, these challenges only encourage us to work even harder because we believe that the truth is on our side. Evil will never win.”

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl’s development had initially stalled, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine further complicated the company's operations. GSC Game World has scheduled STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl for release in December. The game will be available on the Xbox Game Pass subscription service and on PC via Steam.

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