The M.Video network reported that reservations and prospective shipments of physical copies of STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl to Russia have been canceled. This development follows an earlier decision by GSC Game World not to release the title in the country. M.Video pledged to refund customers and, where possible, to cancel the pre-orders themselves. This sequence underscores growing restrictions in the Russian market and signals how distributors are adapting to the new publishing landscape.
We must inform readers that pre-orders for STALKER 2 will be terminated. Regrettably, there will be no game deliveries to the Russian Federation, and this remains the developer’s definitive stance. Pre-orders will be canceled centrally on the upcoming Monday, with refunds issued to all paying customers. The message concludes with apologies for the inconvenience caused.
– “M video”
Beyond this decision, players should not expect new releases like GhostWire: Tokyo and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands to arrive in the near future. The first game is not yet available for PS5 users in Russia. Additionally, confirmation of availability for Gran Turismo 7, WWE 2K22, and the Collector’s Edition of Horizon: Forbidden West has not been provided, leaving Russian fans waiting for potential regional updates. The situation illustrates how regional publishing considerations can disrupt anticipated game launches and alter the release calendar for multiple titles.
Earlier, the Kiev studio announced a suspension of development for a game, adding another layer to the regional disruption. Blizzard subsequently announced restrictions affecting gamers in the DPR and LPR, further illustrating how ongoing geopolitical and regulatory changes can shape the availability of major titles and related content. These developments collectively emphasize the fragility of planned game releases in areas facing political and logistical challenges.