There is growing discussion about a possible ban on STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl in Russia. A senior member of the Duma’s Information Policy Committee, Anton Gorelkin, indicated in a recent interview that regulatory action could follow if the game content post release includes material deemed illegal under Russian law, such as extremism, justification of terrorism, or incitement to ethnic hatred. The remarks were reported by a news outlet, which highlighted the potential for restrictive measures should post-release content violate norms and laws.
The interview excerpt noted the deputy’s position on possible restrictions and how authorities might respond if certain content surfaces after launch. The discussion centered on the idea that government agencies could step in with the strongest actions if illegal information is found in the game materials.
—Anton Gorelkin
The legal community weighed in with cautious assessments about criminal liability for players who purchase the game. A lawyer and human rights advocate explained that criminal charges would require proof that a gamer knowingly financed organizations hostile to Russia. Still, the same specialist urged potential buyers to proceed with care, given the volatile regulatory environment and the evolving interpretation of content that might trigger sanctions.
Note that there is no formal ban on STALKER 2 in Russia at this time. The shooter was released to audiences on PC and on Xbox ecosystems with Game Pass, and it has since become accessible to a broad base of players. Updates over time have kept the title visible on major storefronts and subscription services, even as regulators monitor the gaming landscape for content that could provoke action.
It was previously reported that STALKER 2 was among Steam’s top sellers in the period after its arrival on the platform, underscoring the game’s strong commercial footprint despite regulatory chatter.
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