Zakhar Bocharov, PR manager at GSC Game World, spoke in an interview with Cybersport about the creation of STALKER 2 during the coronavirus pandemic.
It turned out that everything was going according to plan.
“[…] a remake of Final Fantasy VII comes out on time, and Cyberpunk 2077 has not been rescheduled since September. I would not highlight a trend here: absolutely all gaming companies found themselves in an equally unexpected situation. For some reasons, someone copes easier, someone – more difficult. Speaking specifically about STALKER 2, the processes are going according to plan, in some aspects – a little faster. ”
Coronavirus affects team spirit and the production process, but this is not critical for the studio.
“Another serious challenge is the lack of socialization. But in 2020, let’s be honest, it is solved quite simply. Video calling can be used not only for work: a pair of desktops with Dungeons and Dragons is perfectly played via the Internet, and Telegram is full of entertaining bots.
Remotely, you can go on a smoke break and wish someone a happy birthday. People are adaptive: at first it can be a little awkward, but then in the process there is as much warmth and emotion as with a live interaction. Especially when everyone remembers that this is not forever, but for a while. Five to ten years ago, with all of the above, there would be a billion times more problems. “
Due to the fact that people have more time to play, the studio noted an increased interest in their products. However, according to a GSC Game World spokesperson, a final assessment of the situation needs to wait until the end of the pandemic.
“Now we see a positive dynamics in the sales of our games – especially among the third Cossacks. Despite this, things are more correctly evaluated after their completion. It may be worth returning to the question of when the quarantine will end. ”
The release date of STALKER 2 is still unknown.
