S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Studios GSC Game World Is Being Blackmailed By Pro-Russian Hackers

Ukrainian development studio GSC Game World, best known as the studio behind the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series of games, has been hacked by a pro-Russian group who managed to gain access to assets that will be used in the next game in the horror shooter franchise, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl.

The hackers were able to gain access to concept art and maps, as well as cutscenes and cinematics that reveal the game’s story. They’re now attempting to blackmail the studio into resuming support for Belarusian and Russian players and to issue an apology, threatening to release the assets if the studio doesn’t comply with their demands.

“The fact that we have not made all of the material available to the public speaks of our friendly attitude towards you,” wrote the hackers on VK, a Russian social media site. “Don’t let the STALKER universe die because of your politicization.”

GSC Game World, however, remains steadfast in the support of their country, saying that, “Our unwavering commitment to supporting our country remains unchanged. We are a Ukrainian company, and like most Ukrainians, we have experienced things that are much more terrifying.”