Title: Stalker 2 Targeted by Russian Disinformation Campaign Amid Ongoing Conflict
In a concerning turn of events, the recently launched video game Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl has found itself at the center of a disinformation campaign allegedly orchestrated by Russian sources. The campaign claims that the game scans players’ computers to assist the Ukrainian government in locating potential conscripts for military service. These unfounded assertions have gained traction through a video circulating on social media platforms, including Telegram, and have reached journalists directly, framing the game’s developer, GSC Game World, as complicit in government surveillance.
The misleading video, disguised with a fake Wired watermark, presents false information about the game’s coding, alleging an embedded program collects data from players—inclusive of device names, IP addresses, and geographic locations—transmitting it every second to GSC Game World’s servers. The video further claims that this data exchange occurs without player consent, hinting at a dubious partnership between GSC and the Ukrainian state to secure funding for the game. It concludes with threats for players, advising them to use VPNs or to boycott the game entirely to protect their privacy.
According to media reports, the tactics employed in this disinformation campaign are reminiscent of previous efforts known as Operation Matryoshka. This strategy seeks to inundate social media and news outlets with misleading narratives that discredit NATO nations and Ukraine, sowing distrust among the public while consuming the resources of journalists chasing false leads. The situation raises serious concerns about the impact of such tactics on public perception and information reliability.
The targeting of Stalker 2 is particularly poignant due to its symbolism of Ukrainian resilience in the face of ongoing adversity from the Russian invasion. The development team has continued their work despite the conflict, with some staff remaining in their home city of Kyiv while others have relocated to Prague. The game’s successful launch on Xbox Series X/S and PC has garnered significant attention, elevating its status as a symbol of defiance against aggression, which may explain why it has become a focal point for disinformation efforts.
GSC Game World has faced additional challenges, including a blockade imposed by the Russian government on the game’s website, following the studio’s outspoken opposition to the invasion. The company has also contended with cyber-attacks from Russian hackers, leading to internal security breaches and blackmail attempts. In response, GSC reaffirmed its Ukrainian identity and commitment to continuing development work despite the pressures, highlighting the harsh realities faced by many Ukrainians, including personal losses and trauma from the ongoing conflict.
Following its launch, Stalker 2 received mixed critical feedback, primarily due to various technical issues. Eurogamer’s review characterized the game as "compelling and often busted,” indicating both its potential and its flaws. In response to the challenges, GSC has made a commitment to address over 650 reported issues in a forthcoming patch, demonstrating their dedication to improving player experience while navigating the tumultuous landscape of both game development and geopolitical strife.