Discover the Sci-Fi Movie That Inspired STALKER in Return to the Zone

Movies based on books are a common sight, but video games based on books are a rarity. However, there are some noteworthy exceptions to this rule, with the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise being a prime example. This acclaimed series was inspired by a 1971 novel and its 1979 film adaptation, and has gone on to become a beloved gaming phenomenon. But S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is not the only game to take inspiration from literature. In fact, the upcoming S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, the fourth game in the franchise, is set to premiere later this year after a 13-year hiatus. Originally planned for release in 2012, the game was scrapped and was not heard of until it resurfaced in 2018 with a new subtitle. While details about the game are sparse, fans are eagerly anticipating a potential 2023 release.

What is the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Video Game Franchise?

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl was released in 2007 after a lengthy development process. Initially announced under a different title in 2000, the game faced numerous setbacks. Despite some bugs and mixed reviews upon release, the game's horror elements, unique setting, and overall atmosphere garnered a passionate fanbase. This led to a prequel in 2007, a sequel in 2009, a 2014 effort to restore older versions of the original, and an upcoming entry.

The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise consists of first-person survival horror shooters set in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone after a mysterious second disaster in 2006. The event caused the mutation of various flora and fauna, as well as the emergence of anomalies in the form of meteorological phenomena. These anomalies produce artifacts that convey supernatural abilities and deadly radiation to those who find them. Stalkers, individuals who brave the dangers of the Zone to collect artifacts, form factions and struggle with the military while constantly striving to reach the Zone's center. Each S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game follows a stalker with a unique motivation and a wide range of options. The acronym "S.T.A.L.K.E.R." stands for "Scavengers, Trespassers, Adventurers, Loners, Killers, Explorers, and Robbers."

What Movie Is the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Game Franchise Based On?

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. takes its inspiration from Andrei Tarkovsky's 1979 film Stalker, which follows an unnamed man who guides strangers through the mysterious and dangerous Zone to a Room that grants wishes. The film is loosely based on the Strugatsky brothers' novel Roadside Picnic, which has had a profound impact on Russian literature and popular culture. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is not the only game franchise that has drawn inspiration from this story.

The Metro franchise, developed by 4A Games, is based on Dmitry Glukhovsky's novel series and draws heavily from the works of Roadside Picnic and Stalker. While the first game was created in part by former developers of the Stalker series, it also includes a subtle reference to Roadside Picnic. Despite not being as heavily influenced by the book as Stalker, the similarities are evident. The Metro novels can be seen as a spiritual successor to the Strugatsky brothers' work, and the team behind the game came directly from working on Stalker. Although related, the Metro franchise has gained more recognition than its predecessor and is often compared to the beloved Stalker series.