Summary
As Microsoft andXboxpractice damage control after theXbox Game Pass price hike,one of the platform’s most anticipated exclusive releases has just been hit with another setback. 2024 has been a decidedly rough year for Xbox as the company kicked everything off by announcing that several of its exclusives would be coming to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, followed by the closure of several popular studios. The community is still requesting high-quality exclusive games to compete with the PlayStation 5 so it must sting for Microsoft that one of its most anticipated titles has been delayed again.
Per an official update from the developer GSC Game World,the studio confirmed that its open-world shooterS.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobylhas been delayed, pushing back its initial release from September 5 to November 20.
It’s not a substantial delay by any means and the extra time is being used to allow the team a chance to “address technical issues with the game” and deliver an experience that lives up to the community’s excitement. The news also comes with a brief gameplay trailer poking fun at the latest postponement.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Best Way To Play The Original Games Before The Sequel
With STALKER 2 set for a 2023 release, the time is ripe to play through the original games - but there are a few things to consider before jumping in.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2 Is Gearing Up For A Major Marketing Push
Despite The Delay, The Launch Is Imminent
To make it up to fans who may disappointed by the news thatS.T.A.L.K.E.R 2has been delayed once again (it was originally meant to be released in 2022),GSC Game World announced that it will be sharing a Developer Deep Dive update on August 12. The video will feature a variety of never-before-seen footage including interviews with the team and a behind-the-scenes look at the development process, as well as a full video walkthrough ofan early story quest. The Deep Dive will also showcase more locations,new gameplay mechanics, and cutscenes.
WhileHeart of Chornobyl’s latest delay may be frustrating for some,it’s a miracle that the game is releasing at all. Its first significant postponement came as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine whereGSC Game World is based. The team continued to work on the game despite several major setbacks so a minor delay of just two months is nothing compared to what the developers have been going through to get their game out the door.
Despite this, it’s undoubtedly still a blow toXboxwhich has lost a great deal of face amongst its own community. Despite an impressive mid-year Xbox Showcase event,Game Pass’s substantial price hike has prompted many users to cancel their subscriptions. One can only hope thatS.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobylis the stellar exclusive the company desperately needs.
