Russian Government Threatens to Impose Total Ban on Stalker 2 If It Promotes “Anti-Russian” Sentiments

The upcoming game by Kyiv-based studio GSC Game World Stalker 2 might be on the verge of getting banned in all of Russia. It seems to be threatened by the themes of the game and is doing everything in its capacity to keep problems at bay.

Russia has put down a strong foot against the themes of the game. The game anyway won’t be selling officially in Russia, but you can still purchase it through other means. However, if Russia were to impose a total ban, then there would be serious implications for even buying the game through other sources.

Russia Could Ban Stalker 2 On Accounts of Justifying Terrorism 

Russia believes that Stalker 2 might portray strong themes against the content, which might appear as justifying criticism in hindsight. The game has an apocalyptic setting based on the nuclear wasteland of Chernobyl. 

The game was earlier anticipated to be released in February 2022, but the production got delayed after Russia invaded Ukraine in the same year. The reason for Russia putting a strong foot forward might also be due to the origin of its studio, which is based in Ukraine. 

Through a state-owned news agency, RIA Novosty State Duma Deputy, Anton Gorelki, shared insight on the matter. He was clear that strict action would be taken against the game if it is found justifying terrorism or features extremist and anti-Russian themes. 

Mikhail Mushailev, a legal advisor, issued a warning to all Russians that if anyone was found acquiring the game through VPN or other means, they would be considered supporting a hostile force and would meet the requirements of being called a terrorist, according to the Russian government. 

Stalker 2 Is One Of The Most Anticipated Releases Of This Year

Stalker 2 is one of the most anticipated Xbox Game Pass releases after Black Ops 6. The game has managed to generate a lot of hype in the months following its release and continues to do so just a few days before its release as well. 

The only major drawback the game is facing is the geopolitical tension between the two nations—Ukraine and Russia. The game has already once suffered due to war between the two nations and is now being put on trial again for hurting the country’s sentiments.

Although Stalker 2 might face a total ban in Russia, it is highly unlikely that the game will suffer in sales since a lot of people all over the world are eagerly waiting for its release. It is scheduled to be released on November 20th.

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