GSC Game World has released a defiant statement, in the face of threats of ransomed S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 data. It provides an update about one of its employee's accounts being compromised by hackers, and as a result of this, the studio is now threatened with blackmail. A statement was posted, March 12, on the GSC Game World's official Twitter account. The developer is urging that fans refrain from sharing leaked material and spoilers, and warns that the final product should not be pre-judged in a harsh light, based on any of the leaked work-in-progress material.

It is not unusual for hacker groups to threaten game developers and publishers. Rockstar Games was the victim of a leak in 2022, when videos of its in-development and upcoming video game Grand Theft Auto 6 were uploaded to forums. The in-game footage was spread across social media and the internet, and shortly thereafter, a hacker wanted to "negotiate a deal" with Rockstar Games. Source code for GTA 5 & 6 was used as leverage.A Pro-Russia hacker group is attempting to blackmail GSC Game World, and claims that it has obtained "tens of gigabytes" of game material as well as personal information relating to the Ukrainian development team. According to social media posts, the group is threatening to leak significant portions of the in-progress S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 game. The hackers demand that GSC Game World shift their political messaging in regards to Russia and Belarus, and "apologize for the unworthy attitude towards ordinary players from these countries." The hackers have also called for Russian language localization to be reintegrated into the game. A deadline has been set for March 15, 2023, otherwise "full story, cutscenes, concept art, and global maps" will be released on the internet.GSC Game World has experienced significant strife in recent times, and declares that threats from a hacker group are not even the greatest of their current concerns: "We are a Ukrainian company, and like most Ukrainians, we have experienced many things that are much more terrifying: destroyed houses, ruined lives, and the deaths of our loved ones. Attempts to blackmail or intimidate us are completely futile.
Our unwavering commitment to supporting our country remains unchanged - we will continue to do everything possible to support Ukraine. And this won't change in the future under any circumstances. Despite the attempts to break us, we remain strong and courageous. Because when you believe in something and love it with all your heart, you have to defend it at all costs.. Our mission is to commit all of our strength and passion to complete the project and deliver it to you, despite all the obstacles on the way. Your support is our inspiration," the statement concludes. "Glory to Ukraine."


S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has an estimated release date of 'December 2023'. Preordering is available via Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, GOG as well as on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles.