STALKER 2is one of the best examples of Xbox’s modern efforts toward delivering experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. The originalSTALKERwasn’t a blockbuster game release and odds are thatSTALKER 2won’t be either. However,STALKERwas a cult hit and has a dedicated following that’s waited over a decade for more. All those fans have to do is be a little more patient. Though if one ofSTALKER 2’s voice actors is to be believed, the wait may not be as long as many have assumed.
Voice actor Alexander Vilkov is known for his work on the originalSTALKER, but he’s now confirmed to also be returning forSTALKER 2. The Ukrainian recently shared some information on his Instagram account that has many wondering if his information is accurate. Specifically, Vilkov offhandedly mentions that the sequel will be “released soon” and that “they want winter” forSTALKER 2’s launch.
RELATED:STALKER 2 Developer Video Highlights Impressive Character Models and Faces
Suffice to say, a winter launch forSTALKER 2would be a surprise to everyone. Not only has GSC Game World not announced a release date forSTALKER 2yet, but it also hasn’t shown much of the game whatsoever. Yet if Vilkov is to be believed, GSC Game World is tentatively planning to launchSTALKER 2this winter, with an announcement likely to come sometime this summer. If true, the news would likely be warmly received bySTALKER’s biggest fans.
Of course, there’s, unfortunately, no real reason to be confident in Vilkov’s release window knowledge. It’s a common trend in the video game industry forvoice actors to let slip knowledge about a game’s release plans, but more often than not it’s inaccurate. Either the voice actor heard the news early in development and plans have since changed, or the information they heard was incorrect or from an unreliable source.
What makes the rumor aboutSTALKER 2’s release window being in 2021 so unreliable isn’t just how littleGSC Game Worldhas shared about the game, but what it has shared in the first place. All GSC Game World has shared is largely concept art. It’s the kind of material that’s shared when a game is still years away from release, as opposed to less than a year.
On the other hand, GSC Game World could be on the verge of havingSTALKER 2ready to share and is simply fine-tuning the game and polishing it for public presentation. It would be a major surprise, but certainly a welcome one. That said,STALKERfans should, as always, keep their expectations in check until anofficial announcement is made.
STALKER 2is in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
