The offices of GSC Game World, the developer of Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyll, reportedly suffered damage in an accidental fire on Thursday. Fortunately, no individuals were harmed, but repairs could amount to $70,000.
The story was initially reported by Czech outlet Vortex (via VGC) and subsequently shared on Twitter by user HazzadorGamin. The fire affected one of the three floors of the office building and was in close proximity to backup servers for the game. However, it remains uncertain whether any development assets were impacted. A developer confirmed the incident on Discord, stating, "It is true. Fortunately, none of the employees or office staff were injured in the accident." They further assured that the fire would not disrupt the anticipated release of Stalker 2 in Q1 2024, asserting, "No anomaly, not even a 'Burner,' will deter us from our ultimate objective. We have overcome greater challenges in the past. This situation is manageable."
Originally headquartered in Ukraine, several members of the development team have moved to the Czech Republic due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia. In June 2022, an Xbox showcase highlighted interviews with GSC Game World developers discussing the profound impact of the war on their personal lives. Additionally, the developer has experienced multiple cyberattacks originating from Russia. At Gamescom 2023, attendees had the opportunity to play a demo of Stalker 2.