iscover
Share this article on:
Powered by
MOMENTUM
MEDIA
Video game developer GSC Game World has warned that its upcoming title Stalker 2 may end up being leaked after it reported that it was targeted in a ransomware attack.
The Ukrainian developer has said that the hacking group has links to Russia and has threatened to leak not only details of the highly anticipated title Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl but more concerningly, the personal details of staff at the studio.
“Recently, our employee’s account for a collective work-with-images application was hacked. The responsibility for this was claimed by a community from a Russian social network,” said the studio in a post on Twitter.
“They are threatening to use the obtained data for blackmail and intimidation.”
A message from GSC Game World team pic.twitter.com/rqRM0tFZmO
— S.T.A.L.K.E.R. OFFICIAL (@stalker_thegame) March 12, 2023
The studio has also said that it has been constantly under fire from hackers attempting to jeopardise the studio for over a year, a time that lines up with the Russian invasion of Ukraine last February.
“This is not the first attempt to hack and leak our data, including personal information. We have been enduring constant cyber attacks for more than a year now. We have faced blackmail, acts of aggression, hacks, attempts to hurt players and fans, and efforts to damage the development process or the reputation of our company.”
Despite the endless cyber attack attempts and the ransom, GSC has said that it will remain strong and defiant.
“We are a Ukrainian company, and like most Ukrainians, we have experienced many things that are much more terrifying: destroyed houses, ruined lives, and the deaths of our loved ones. Attempts to blackmail or intimidate us are completely futile,” GSC added.
“Our unwavering commitment to supporting our country remains unchanged — we will do everything possible to support Ukraine, and this won’t change in the future under any circumstances.
“Despite the attempts to break us, we remain strong and courageous. Because when you believe in something and love it with all your heart, you have to defend it at all costs.”
Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl is the fourth title in the franchise, with the first game having been released in March 2007 and the latest being in 2009. The large gap between releases means anticipation for the new title is high.
GSC has requested that supporters and fans of the franchise avoid looking into or distributing any leaked content, as the leaked data may not properly represent what the final game will look like.
The game is due for release later this year, and GSC has confirmed that it is committed to finishing the title and will not be negotiating with the people behind the breach.
Be the first to hear the latest developments in the cyber industry.
