Stalker 2 Dev Claims Graphics Being Improved Amid Concerns of Downgrade

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl has received several updates recently. In addition to a new release window of Q1 2024, studio GSC Game World released a new trailer at Gamescom after several months of anticipation.

While the trailer was generally well-received, fans were quick to point out that the game appeared to have gone through a graphical downgrade, as it no longer looked as impressive as earlier footage.

Following such reception, GSC Game World’s PR Manager has clarified that the studio is still polishing the game and hopes to reach the visual fidelity showcased in the 2021 footage.

Why it matters: Graphical downgrades have been a part of the industry for many decades, with studios often overpromising what they can deliver with the scope of current hardware.

While the latest footage was far from unimpressive, aspects like the lighting and shadows appear to have been toned down at some point during development.

The earlier trailers showed a haunting and immersive atmosphere, but Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl may have lost some of its atmosphere with the changes to lighting, among other elements.

However, an interview with IGN confirms the studio is targeting the same level of visuals showcased in 2021, believing that GSC Game World can realize its ambitions for the new Stalker game.

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is expected to be among the first games that showcase the best parts of Unreal Engine 5. Therefore, the entire industry has a lot of expectations from the studio.

However, the game’s development has been far from smooth, with GSC Game World facing leaks, threats from hackers, and even losing a developer during the current situation in Ukraine.

This has led to a lot of support from the industry, and many are glad that the game is coming out soon, even if it fails to live up to the initial promise of jaw-dropping visual quality.

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is closer than ever to being released. Following the events in Ukraine, the game has become an important title to the whole country, and GSC Game World is focused on ensuring it releases in the best state possible.