The story of GSC Game World, a Ukrainian video game development company, has been marked by resilience and the ability to overcome adversity in extreme circumstances. During the winter leading up to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the company had already begun to devise emergency plans due to increasing uncertainty. Vehicles and drivers prepared for evacuation remained ready outside their offices, awaiting a signal that finally came in the early hours of February 24.
With the invasion underway, GSC Game World made the courageous decision to activate their emergency plan, immediately relocating their employees and their families to a nearby village on the edge of Ukraine. This dramatic event, however, was not simply a staging of their post-apocalyptic video game scenarios; the threat was real and the emotional impact profound.
Mariia Grygorovych, the company’s creative director, recalls that day as one of confusion and anxiety. The team found themselves in a chaotic situation, prioritizing family well-being while facing the harsh reality of the conflict. The evacuation posed a major challenge, requiring the calmness and focus necessary to process the trauma that would leave them with permanent emotional scars.
Despite the challenges, GSC Game World continued their work, a symbol of perseverance in difficult times. Currently, the studio is in the final stages of development of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, continuing a successful franchise that has reached over 15 million copies sold worldwide. The release, originally planned for 2022, has been rescheduled for November 20 and will be available on Windows 10/11, Steam, Xbox, and through Game Pass.
The story of GSC Game World is a powerful reminder of how, even in times of great adversity and danger, the human spirit can find ways to adapt and thrive. The memory of that February morning remains vivid for Grygorovych and her team, symbolizing a chapter of irreversible change in their personal and professional lives.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
