STALKER 2: Tackle “Downgrade” Concerns
The team behind STALKER 2 has opened up about their Gamescom 2023 demo and responded to concerns over a potential graphics “downgrade” after their latest gameplay trailer.
Speaking with IGN, GSC Game World reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the high visual fidelity showcased in their striking 2021 trailer. They acknowledged the severe hardships faced by the Ukrainian team due to the war, which disrupted development and forced staff relocations and project delays.
Amid reactions to the new STALKER 2 trailer, some fans voiced fears of a downgrade. Maksym Yanchyi, the lead Xbox programmer, along with PR manager Zakhar Bocharov, shed light on the studio’s decision to prioritize a real player experience over a flawlessly marketed demo.
“We chose to show the actual game, even if it’s not fully polished, rather than just a perfectly crafted marketing snippet,” Bocharov mentioned.
Bocharov addressed the downgrade comments, emphasizing that the game is still a work in progress and visual improvements are ongoing. He suggested that while some aspects of the demo may appear more refined than the trailer, it’s all part of the development journey.
Highlighting the use of Unreal Engine 5‘s advanced lighting system, Bocharov pointed out that adjustments are still being made, particularly with the engine’s new features like Lumen Global Illumination. Despite the updates and tweaks, he reassured fans that the 2021 gameplay video remains their benchmark for the game’s release quality.
