Ukrainian Studio Behind Stalker Releases Statement As Russia Launches Attacks

Vladimir Putin and Russia have launched attacks on Ukraine and begun to invade, and one of the major game developers from the country has released a statement. GSC Game World, which makes the Stalker video games, said this morning that Ukraine will fight to defend itself and persevere through this trying time.

"As of today, the Russian Federation has officially declared war on Ukraine. Our country woke up to the sounds of explosions and weapons fire, but is ready to defend its freedom and independence," it said. "For it remains strong and ready for anything. The future is unknown, but we hope for the best, are ever sure of our armed forces and our belief in Ukraine."

GSC encouraged game developers and fans to share its message in their news feed, calling on them "not stand aside and help those in need."

"Through pain, death, war, fear, and inhuman cruelty, Ukraine will persevere. As it always does," the studio said. The developer is planning to release Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl later this year.

GSC Game World is headquartered in Kyiv, and many there are attempting to get out of the city and heading west seeking safety and refuge. Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in their defense of the country, The New York Times reported.

GSC Game World is not the only Ukrainian video game developer, as Metro studio 4A Games was based in the country before moving its headquarters to Malta. Ubisoft and Wargaming have studios in Ukraine. The local game development scene has been growing in the past decade, and now it's believed the Ukrainian game development community employs thousands of people.

US President Joe Biden has condemned the attacks and has promised to "hold Russia accountable for its unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine."