The upcoming release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 could land Russian gamers in
  serious trouble. According to [1]RBC-Ukraine News, the Russian
  government is considering a ban on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. Moreover,
  individuals who play it in Russia could face criminal charges for
  financially supporting “terrorism.”

  For some context, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is being developed by Kyiv-based
  studio GSC Game World. The game was initially scheduled for release in
  late 2022. Still, Russia’s ongoing war of aggression and upheaval as
  several developers relocated to the Czech Republic seem like valid
  excuses for a delay.

  RBC Ukraine News says that several factors could affect the legal
  status of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and any players in Russia.

  Firstly, the game may be banned entirely depending on its content.
  “There could be the most severe measures if illegal content is found in
  the game upon release, such as extremism, justification of terrorism,
  or incitement of ethnic hatred,” said Anton Gorelkin, First Deputy
  Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on Information Policy.

  Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl - Exclusive Smoking Barrels Gameplay
  Trailer - YouTube Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl - Exclusive Smoking
  Barrels Gameplay Trailer - YouTube
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  Secondly, gamers “might face criminal charges,” RBC reports, citing the
  musings of Russian lawyer Mikhail Mushailov. This will likely depend on
  whether or not it can be established that the developers support the
  Ukrainian military in any way. In short, if you want to enjoy a bit of
  S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 action in Russia, you better watch your back.

  Last month, GSC Game World producer Evgeniy Kulik spoke to [3]the BBC
  about the upcoming release. Kulik talked about how much effort was
  being put into making S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 a worthy successor to the
  original. The producer reminded us of the very real threat to life the
  Russian invasion represents: “Maybe half of our studio is currently
  working under the constant threat of being killed.” Despite this, Kulik
  reckons completing and publishing the game is very important.

  S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is set in an alternate-history Chornobyl exclusion
  zone filled with dangerous enemies, deadly anomalies, and powerful
  artifacts. This first-person post-apocalypse open-world horror title is
  hoped to satisfy the expectations of fans of the original. The game is
  set for release on November 20 and can be pre-ordered for PC via Steam.

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References

  1. https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/russia-may-impose-criminal-responsibility-1731402306.html
  2. https://youtu.be/NAz3_4uvG0k
  3. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgq843dg4geo

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