14 years is a hell of a long time. In 2010 the world was a vastly different place – games like Mass Effect 2, Red Dead Redemption, Alan Wake, and Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood were tearing up the charts. Something else also happened that year, as an eagerly anticipated sequel by the name of Stalker 2 was announced. Now, after one of the most tumultuous development cycles ever, it’s finally finished and about to launch.
In an announcement made over on Steam, developer GSC Game World has let fans know that after 14 long years, Stalker 2 Shadow of Chornobyl has gone gold. This means that there should be absolutely no more delays between now and launch, with the most recent Stalker 2 release date holding firm. The long wait is nearly over, both for fans and the game’s beleaguered developer.
It’s quite hard to actually overstate the trials that GSC Game World has had to contend with in order to get Stalker 2 out the door. First announced in 2010 for a 2012 release, the developer began to experience severe financial difficulties which saw the team go through a round of layoffs, resulting in Stalker 2 and the studio both being put on hold in 2011.
For a few years there was no more news, until GSC Game World reformed in late 2014. Stalker 2 was eventually re-announced in 2018, followed by further details and the news it would come to Xbox consoles in 2021. Everything seemed set for a 2022 release until tragedy struck the studio once more, with the conflict in Ukraine breaking out and causing untold disruption to GSC Game World and the lives of its employees.
Despite that horrific experience, the team has somehow managed to continue working on the title, with the developer weathering further issues like a colossal office fire in 2023. Even though it’s undergone a few more pushbacks as a result, it’s now actually ready for release, which is something of a minor miracle.
Stalker 2 has gone gold and will launch as planned on Wednesday November 20. If you’d like to check the game out in advance of its arrival, head over to Steam to learn more.
Meanwhile, our guides to the best apocalypse games and the best survival games will be sure to keep you busy while you wait for the full impending Stalker 2 launch.
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