The developer builds for Stalker 2 have been leaked, as reported by a Redditor, Potterman1. These files are encrypted, barring anyone from running these builds. Two builds of this upcoming title have been uncovered, both massive in size, one even weighing at 193 GB.
Stalker 2 has been a controversial title, with Russian hackers constantly threatening to leak the upcoming game’s files. In March 2023, a group of Russian hackers had reached out to the developer GSC Game World, claiming that they have a tremendous amount of content from Stalker 2. They reported of gaining access to the game’s complete story, cinematics, maps, and art. To prove they weren’t lying, these hackers had previously released some of the game’s in-development artworks and screengrabs.
The Russian hackers demanded that the developer lift the ban for NF Star account from Discord and had given a March 15 deadline. Post that deadline, they released various work in progress images from Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl. While there is no clear idea as to who has leaked the build files this time around, netizens can’t help but think that the same Russian hackers are behind this leak. The leaks have appeared on a popular BitTorrent search engine.
The developer claims that it has been a constant victim of cyber-attacks throughout this year. However, the company is steadfast in the face of adversity, claiming,
“We are a Ukrainian company, and like most Ukrainians, we have experienced many things that are much more terrifying: destroyed houses, ruined lives, and the deaths of our loved ones. Attempts to blackmail or intimidate us are completely futile.”
The Ukrainian developer has been the center of many controversies, with various hardcore Russian hackers targeting them in order to get them to apologize for insensitive remarks towards ordinary gamers from Russia and Belarus. Some hackers have also targeted the developer in order to get the upcoming Stalker 2 game localized in Russian.
Source – Gaming Leaks and Rumors (via Reddit)
