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(Image credit: GSC Game World)
In a message onTwitterannouncing the new release date, the devs say that after demoing Stalker 2 publicly at Gamescom, the feedback they received about technical performance indicated that “the game needs more time.” It had previously been scheduled for a vague release window of Q1 2024.
“Throughout the frankly challenging development process, we understood the time was of the team’s main essence,” the devs write. “Seeing the scope of polishing and understanding that we can’t push your patience too much, we were absolutely dedicated to releasing the game in Q1 2024, and we worked extra hard to meet the release window. That, however, doesn’t change the fact that at the beginning of this year, we still witnessed the certain amount of technical imperfections that hold Stalker 2 below the expected standards for the final experience our fans are waiting for.”
The new launch plan of September 5 is described as the “final release date” in that social media message, in a press release, and in a brief trailer accompanying the announcement. The press release also reiterates that Stalker 2 will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass.
After somehands-on time with Stalker 2 at Gamescom, GamesRadar+’s own Josh West wrote “the notion that Stalker 2 will be ready to launch in the next six months or so seems ambitious at best,” adding that “I’m happy to wait for as long as it takes, because beneath the broken AI, jagged foliage, and misfiring weapons is the still beating heart of Stalker.” Clearly, GSC Game World has been taking that kind of feedback to heart.
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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
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1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
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2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
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5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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1
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2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2
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3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
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4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
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5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5
Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”