GSC Game World has openly acknowledged the technical challenges surrounding the launch of STALKER 2, promising swift improvements to the post-apocalyptic shooter which recently on Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Early reviews have highlighted both strengths and concerns. While critics praised the game’s unique setting and compelling side stories, performance issues and numerous bugs have been prominent complaints regarding the game. Despite these challenges, the game has already demonstrated strong player interest, reaching a peak of over 113,000 concurrent players on Steam.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), GSC Game World described the game as a “love letter to Ukraine” and emphasized their ongoing dedication to improvement. The studio acknowledged the game’s “rough edges,” attributing this to the unprecedented scale of their release.
A message from the GSC Game World Team.
Before you step into the Zone, we’d like to take a moment to share something from the heart. pic.twitter.com/wuLRAkq7Ba
— S.T.A.L.K.E.R. OFFICIAL (@stalker_thegame) November 20, 2024
Their improvement strategy includes:
- Immediate hotfix deployments in the first days after launch
- Frequent and precise updates
- Larger improvements in subsequent patches
- Introduce free in-game content, with a roadmap to be shared in December
The developers were transparent about the game’s current state, admitting this is their most ambitious project to date. “We understand that in such a game, there may still be rough edges,” they wrote, demonstrating a clear commitment to post-launch support.
Despite the technical issues noted by reviewers, including performance issues and numerous bugs, the game has been praised for its setting and side stories. The studio remains optimistic, describing the launch of STALKER 2 as both a return to the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe and the beginning of a “grand new journey.”