Stalker 2 isn't published by Microsoft, but the company has still been "so supportive" to its devs: "It would have been much different without them"

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: GSC Game World) The team at Ukrainian developer GSC Game World has faced incredibly challenging working conditions while producing Stalker 2, with the war in Ukraine forcing the devs to pause production in 2022 and relocate to Prague. It’s understandable that the game’s release ended up being pushed back, and according to PR manager Zakhar Bocharov, Microsoft itself has been considerate in this regard. The Xbox owner isn’t publishing Stalker 2 – GSC Game World is doing that itself – but the two do have a deal to put the upcoming FPS title on Game Pass on its release day. Expanding on this, Bocharov adds that he personally “never expected a corporation of this size to be so supportive.” He adds: “I can’t say the exact cases, but they helped in situations where they were not exactly supposed to. So they could easily [have said], ‘No, that’s not on us. That’s with you guys. Good luck. Figure it out.'” The PR manager continues, noting that Xbox head Phil Spencer has personally been “very supportive and caring” to the devs, and reiterating the unexpectedness of the corporation being so “close to the developers who are in a bad situation.” He concludes: “That’s the professional connection we value a lot, because it would have been much different without them.” While we’ll never know what Stalker 2 may have ended up looking like without Microsoft’s support, hopefully the final version will live up to fans’ expectations on November 20. I had the chance to playthe first 30 minutes of the game at Gamescom, and even though I got my ass kicked more times than I’d care to admit, the visuals and performance were great, leaving me feeling optimistic for its launch. We’ll just have to wait and see if Stalker 2 ends up being one of thebest FPS games. 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action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Cobra 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