Maksym Krippa talks about the development of Stalker and the game’s first successes
The journey to develop S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has been a defining period for GSC Game World, one of Ukraine’s most renowned video game studios. Over the past few years, the studio has grown extraordinarily, expanding its workforce from a modest 65 employees in 2020 to an impressive 470 today. This represents a remarkable sevenfold increase, achieved despite significant global and domestic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The studio’s ability to persevere and thrive under such circumstances underscores the determination and vision of its team.
Maksym Krippa gave a detailed interview to one of the publications. The smallpcgames.com portal publishes the main points of their conversation.
The expansion was a strategic necessity to meet the operational complexities and creative aspirations of developing S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, a project of immense scale and ambition. GSC Game World’s owner, investor Maksym Krippa, emphasized that this growth was essential for addressing the project’s increasing demands while maintaining the studio’s reputation for innovation.
The success of this transformation is also attributed to the leadership of the studio’s CEO, Evgeniy Grigorovich, and chief producer, Maria Grigorovich. Their guidance has been instrumental in navigating the challenges of the game’s intricate development process, ensuring that the team could focus on delivering a high-quality product that meets the expectations of a global audience.
The Enduring Legacy of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
The much-anticipated release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl on November 20, 2024, marked a historic achievement for GSC Game World, one of Ukraine’s most renowned video game studios. A sequel to the iconic S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, the game overcame numerous challenges, including six delays during its development, to meet the lofty expectations of its devoted fanbase.
“We are standing on the legacy of the visionaries who created the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R., and we knew we had to deliver something extraordinary,” said Maksym Tkachenko, the project manager in a behind-the-scenes documentary detailing the game’s production journey.
Founded in Kyiv in 1995, GSC Game World has long been celebrated for its groundbreaking titles like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Cossacks. With the release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, the studio cemented its place in gaming history. The game quickly climbed to the top of Steam’s charts for the most popular paid games and became a sensation among players worldwide. Priced between 1,400 and 2,550 UAH, depending on the edition, the launch generated such immense demand that it caused internet slowdowns in several cities across Ukraine, showcasing the sheer scale of its popularity.
The development of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is a testament to GSC Game World’s resilience and commitment to excellence. Despite facing significant obstacles, the studio delivered a title that lives up to the series’ legendary reputation and pushes it to new heights. The game’s release has solidified GSC Game World’s position as a leader in the global gaming industry while celebrating the enduring legacy of its most iconic franchise.