On November 11, 2024, Anton Gorelkin, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, suggested in an interview with Daily Storm that the highly anticipated game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 might face an official ban in Russia. He indicated that such a measure could be implemented not only due to GSC Game World’s support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces but also if the game contains extremist materials or any other “illegal information.” Gorelkin emphasized that the most severe consequences could befall those involved in distributing the game should it be found to contain prohibited content, although he did not elaborate on the implications for players.
Current Status of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
As of now, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has not been officially banned in Russia. However, the potential for the game to acquire an illegal status looms, either before or after its release on November 20. In the meantime, Roskomnadzor has blocked the game’s official website and the developer’s resources at the request of the General Prosecutor’s Office. It remains uncertain whether S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 contains any content that could be deemed extremist, and it is likely that authorities will take some time to identify any problematic elements post-release.
Importantly, GSC Game World has not been designated as a banned organization in Russia, despite its active support for the Ukrainian military. For instance, in April 2022, the studio raised 0,000 through game sales, which was donated to the “Come Back Alive” fund aiding Ukrainian soldiers. However, this fund was later listed as an undesirable organization by the Ministry of Justice in 2024, effectively prohibiting its activities within Russia. Currently, GSC Game World is soliciting support for the United24 fundraising platform for Ukraine on its websites, which are blocked in Russia.
Historically, there have been no instances of games being banned or classified as extremist in Russia. The closest case was with the game Last Train Home, where in August 2024, the St. Petersburg prosecutor’s office sought a ban. However, the court dismissed the case due to a lack of evidence supporting claims that the game undermined historical foundations or patriotic traditions.
Potential Outcomes of a Ban on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
If S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is classified as extremist and banned in Russia, several questions arise regarding the implications for players. Legal expert Anastasia Kornilova provided insights into these scenarios:
- Can the purchase of the game be proven? Tracking transactions for the game is nearly impossible due to the vast amount of data involved. Additionally, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is not officially sold in Russia; it can only be purchased using foreign bank cards or through intermediaries, where payments often appear as transfers to individuals. Currently, there is no legal provision that holds buyers accountable for acquiring game keys or accounts from intermediaries.
- Is it possible to play the game via Game Pass? Upon its release on November 20, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will be available on the Game Pass subscription service for PC and Xbox consoles. Game Pass operates similarly to Netflix, allowing users to access a large catalog of games for a subscription fee. This arrangement reduces risks, as users are purchasing a subscription from Microsoft rather than the game itself.
- What if the game is downloaded from torrent sites? Downloading the game for personal use is unlikely to result in consequences, as tracking such actions is difficult. Legal repercussions are more likely for those who distribute the game, particularly if they host it on torrent trackers. Violations can lead to penalties for distributing extremist materials or copyright infringement.
- What if users discuss the banned game on social media or stream it? If the game is deemed extremist, discussing it publicly could be classified as promoting extremism, particularly if gameplay footage is included. Legal consequences may vary, with potential fines or administrative arrest depending on the court’s decision.
- What happens if the game is banned after purchase? If a ban occurs post-purchase, the safest approach is to refrain from discussing ownership of the game. The law does not have retroactive effects, meaning individuals cannot be penalized for past purchases, but sharing information about the game may be ill-advised.
As the situation evolves, players and industry observers alike will be keenly watching for any developments regarding S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and its status within the Russian market.
