By Jatin Gundara

“We load our weapons with one hand and make the game with the other. That’s who we are.” – Vladyslav Pryshchepa, GSC Game World.

In 2018, GSC Game World, the Ukrainian development studio behind the 2007 cult classic S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, announced another installment in their hallmark franchise, the first of which took the gaming world by storm. Based in Ukraine, the GSC team have consistently proven to be pioneers in the industry, shifting paradigms and challenging conventions about what is possible in game design. However, in 2022, they were faced with a challenge no developer had ever encountered before: creating a game in the midst of dire conflict. A terrible war had begun in Ukraine as Russia encroached their border and bombed.

Going into War Game: The Making of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, I found myself captivated by the film’s premise. Before the documentary, I had never heard of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series or GSC. As such, I figured it would most likely just be a piece about a Ukrainian indie studio developing a game during the Russian invasion, which in itself was interesting. However, the longer I watched the more I realized how impactful the message of the film is truly going to be.

Primarily, the documentary focuses on the team at GSC Game world and their personal experiences attempting to finish development of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 while facing an invasion of their homeland. Artistically and narratively, the choice to base the documentary around personal accounts from the team attached a sense of sobering realism to the images flashing on screen. The reality of a situation as dire as the Russian invasion of Ukraine can oftentimes be difficult to grasp when sporadic news clips and hearsay are your only sources of information. 

However, the vivid descriptions and visceral emotions of the GSC team members truly impacted me. War Game evokes a sense of sympathy and understanding from its viewer that’s hard not to feel. With videos shot on mobile phones of missiles exploding buildings, recordings showing Russian troops marching through the streets of Kyiv, and eerie clips of air raid sirens warning of oncoming attack, it can become hard to remember at times that War Game isn’t actually a documentary solely about war, but rather about the perseverance of those subjected to it.

While at times the film delved into highly personal and likely sensitive topics, the members of GSC, commendably, maintain their composed and lighthearted mindset throughout much of their interviews. In fact, even after all they had been through, most were able to provide full accounts of their experiences. Whether it was fleeing to the western border of the country by bus, or being trapped and opting to fight in Kyiv, every member of the team had experienced something extraordinarily difficult. 

Yet they were all open speaking about it. However, what I found to be the most inspiring portion was how, in spite of all they had been through, each and every interviewee still maintained their passion for their craft. The original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. broke barriers for being made by a Ukrainian studio (one interviewee, Maksym, even describing the original devs as “legends”). The pride each and every team-member expressed because they were able to continue the legacy of the game they hold so dear was palpable to the point where I’m now convinced to try out the original for myself!

Relocating to Hungary, and later Prague, the members of Game World became emboldened to complete what they saw as not only as a matter regarding their studio’s sustainability, but as a form of support for their nation. While I won’t spoil details regarding the end of the film, all I will say is that this piece of art has instilled in me the deepest respect for everyone at GSC who, in spite of threats to their life, freedom, and country, managed to work tirelessly in pursuit of making their passion a reality. And that is why I implore you, to not only give War Game: The Making of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 a watch, but also to consider purchasing the game upon its release in November in support of the Ukrainian people. If they were able to bring you a quality game all while fighting for their freedom and liberty, then what is your excuse to not bolster them and their work?

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl will release worldwide on November 20th, 2024. California-based Intern Jatin Gundara serves as the Circle’s West Coast correspondent.

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