GSC Game World, the Ukrainian studio behind the STALKER series, has undergone a recent ownership change with new beneficiary records emerging. Reports indicate that Max Krippa, a businessman and investor focused on information technology and e-sports, now holds a significant stake through a Cypriot entity named GSC GAME WORLD GLOBAL LTD. This development was flagged by local media outlets and verified against business registry data.
As per the records, the studio’s founder, Sergei Grigorovich, was removed from the official list of owners on September 22, 2023. In his place, the Cypriot company associated with Krippe appears in the official filings. Earlier, in March 2023, a separate Ukrainian legal entity, GSC UKRAINE LLC, was established with a registered capital of 100,000 hryvnias. Ekaterina Tkachenko, who serves as a community manager for GSC Game World, is listed as president of that entity.
GSC Game World confirmed the ownership update but stressed that it would not disrupt the studio’s operations or its creative output. The company noted that Krippa’s involvement began in 2020 under a private investment agreement and that the studio’s leadership remains with Sergei and Evgeniy Grigorovich. Investors are described as not interfering with the creative process and allowing the team full artistic freedom.
At present, the studio is actively developing STALKER 2, the continuation of the acclaimed series. Industry observers have noted expectations for the game to launch on PC and Xbox Series X/S, with early indications suggesting a 2024 release window. Official confirmations and timelines may evolve as development advances, but the project continues to be a primary focus for the studio and its management.
In other developments, there have been notable shifts in the broader esports and competitive gaming landscape in the region. Earlier reports mentioned a Dota 2 team with a strong track record that faced organizational changes, underscoring the volatile yet active nature of the regional gaming scene. These events highlight how ownership shifts and investment flows can accompany ongoing game development while teams and studios strive to sustain momentum in a competitive market.