Stalker 2 could be banned in Russia if it ‘justifies terrorism’, Russian official says

The Russian government is considering a ban on playing Stalker 2 in the country because it could “justify terrorism”, according to a government official.

It’s claimed that the game, which is being developed by Kyiv-based studio GSC Game World, could face a total ban in Russia, according to an official at one of Russia’s governmental bodies.

The game won’t be sold directly in Russia, but acquiring it digitally via other means is possible. Now a member of the country’s State Duma governmental body has said the game could face a total ban.

Speaking to state-owned news agency RIA Novosti, State Duma Deputy Anton Gorelki said that “tough measures” could be put in place if the game “justifies terrorism”, or featured what the Russian government deemed to be “extremist” or “anti-Russian” sentiment.

Legal advisor Mikhail Mushailev warned that any Russians buying the game via a VPN or any other non-direct means could be seen as supporting a “hostile force”. According to Mushailev, buying the game could meet the requirements for what the Russian government defines as terrorism.

Stalker 2 is set for release on November 20 by GSC Game World.

The Ukrainian studio was originally set to release the game in late 2022, but when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 development was put on hold.

The invasion led to some of the developers relocating to a new office in the Czech Republic, but the combination of this upheaval and Russia’s continued attack meant the game’s development continued to suffer numerous delays.

VGC recently played the opening hours of the game and called it a “winning return for the franchise in impossible circumstances”.