S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 2007 game of the same name being developed by GSC Game World, has received yet another in a long list of delays. This latest delay sees the game pushed back from its previous release date. Its new release date is slatted as November 20th, a decision which was made so that the studio could have “breathing room to address technical issues.”
The studio announced this delay in a YouTube video that additionally poked fun at the fact they have had to delay the game a multitude of times called “Really, again?” This video followed a Reddit post rumoring that the game would be receiving another delay.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has had a challenging development cycle, to say the least since it was announced in 2010, now 14 years ago. It was originally planned with a 2012 release date before being canceled completely due to studio troubles, before re-emerging in 2018 with a 2021 release date. Rumors had spiraled at the time about a delay into 2022. Unfortunately, the game was further delayed due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, with GSC being a Kyiv-based studio. Further delays coincided with an NFT play by GSC, Russian hacks, and even an office fire.
In a statement left in the description of the YouTube video, the studio stated:
We know you might be tired of waiting and we truly appreciate your patience. These two additional months will give us the chance to fix more ‘unexpected anomalies’ (or simply ‘bugs’, as you call them). We are always grateful for your ongoing support and understanding – it means the world to us. We’re just as eager as you are to finally release the game and for you to experience it for yourself.
In the interim, Xbox and GSC will be teaming up to deliver a deep dive look at the game on August 12th. This is promised to include a “variety of never-before-seen content,” including a walkthrough of a story quest an overview of the world, and I new look at various locations.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, barring no more further delays, will be available on November 20th, 2024 for Xbox Series S/X and PC.
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