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It appears as though S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2 may have had a small subtitle change to Heart of Chornobyl by developer GSC Game World.
As spotted by PC Gamer, the game’s subtitle on Steam has been quietly updated at some point over the last day or so. The name change has been reflected in most of the game’s entries and description, and appears to be deliberate. While no official announcement has been given, the name is the preferred Ukrainian spelling for the region. The former name, Chernobyl, is the Romanised version of the Russian name.
Quite evidently then, it’s assumed the name change is linked to the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces. The conflict in the region has already caused development on the upcoming shooter to be put on hold so that the Kyiv based team’s employees could look after their families. Of course, this would also explain the lack of formal announcement at this time.
As well as delaying S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, the ongoing conflict has caused Nintendo to delay the launch of Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp. Meanwhile Sony and Microsoft have suspended sales and services in Russia, with donations to relief charities. Elsewhere, a Bundle for Ukraine on itch.io has now raised over $5 million USD.
GSC Game World have said they intend to resume development on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl “after the victory” of the war.
