STALKER developer GSC Game World asks players to support Ukraine

Overnight, Russian president Vladimir Putin launched an invasion into Ukraine — what he called a “special military operation,” and what Ukrainian foreign affairs minister Dmytro Kuleba said is “a war of aggression.” Russian troops have moved into Ukraine on multiple fronts, and dozens of Ukrainians have died, Vox reported.

Last week, game developers in Ukraine shared their fears with Polygon. They were prepared for anything as they feared the worst. Some intended to move staff out of Ukraine, while others spoke of years of violence they’ve already lived through. On Thursday, following Russia’s initial attacks on Ukraine, Ukrainian game studio GSC Game World, in tandem with other companies local esports players and teams, are now asking the global fanbase to support Ukraine and its army.

“As of today, the Russian Federation has officially declared war on Ukraine,” GSC Game World tweeted from both its official account and its STALKER Twitter page. “Our country woke up with the sound of explosions and weapons fire, but is ready to defend its freedom and independence, for it remains strong and ready for anything. Although the future may not be as bright, we still believe in Ukraine and are confident of its armed forces.

“We thus address all of our colleagues in the gaming industry[,]This post is for bloggers, players, and everyone who has seen it in their newsfeed. This is a shared post.[,] and help those in need.”

GSC Game World points supporters to a National Bank of Ukraine account opened specifically to support Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

GSC Game World’s headquarters is in Kyiv Ukraine, the capital of Ukraine. There have been reports of gunfire and explosions. According to the BBC, residents of Kyiv are seeking refuge in shelters while other people are trying to flee the area. According to the BBC, some residents are going about their daily lives as usual. Vostok Games is another gaming studio located in Kyiv. posted a Ukrainian flag to Twitter Thursday morning.

Last week, Vostok Games business development director Oleg Yavorsky told Polygon the company has a plan for “potential relocation.” Other studios in Ukraine are taking similar measures, Axios reported.

“The current situation on the borders with Russia is tense, and we [have seen] multiple provocations happening over the last few days,” Yavorsky told Polygon. “We shouldn’t forget though that Ukraine has been in this state of aggression from Russia since 2014, and over 14,000 people [have been killed in that time]. We’re used to it. [living] in this state of danger.”

Ukraine’s games industry is well-known beyond Vostok Games or GSC Game World. Metro Exodus developer 4A Games was founded in Ukraine but moved to Malta following 2014’s violence. The Sinking City Frogwares developer is located in Kyiv. Ubisoft, the major publisher of Ubisoft games, has offices in Ukraine. It also boasts a growing scene for indie games development and an active community of esports players.

Natus Vincere (Navi) Global Offensive Counter-Strike player Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev tweeted Thursday morning that his city has been shelled. ZETA Division Apex Legends player Kirill “9impulse” Kostiv, a player from Belarus living in Kyiv, said ThursdayHe was able to move to shelter and return to Kyiv for the next few hours.

Aleksey “WhiteRa” Krupnyk, a StarCraft 2Based in Odessa Ukraine (player) published a videoIt shows people gathering on what seems to be an urban square. He called Putin a “dictator,” and thanked fans for their international support.

Victor Goossens, co-CEO of Team Liquid and founder of the company, reported that Team Liquid had opened its Netherlands-based apartments for a Ukrainian player who was unable to return to Ukraine. “We will open our Netherlands apartments for him and any of our friends or colleagues in a similar situation,” Goossens said.

A statement was also made by Navi, an esports group based in Ukraine. on Twitter regarding the attack. “Russia attacked Ukraine,” Navi tweeted. “And now there are hostilities that take human lives and destroy actual destinies on the territory of our country. This war is not possible to pretend that all is well. This isn’t true. We’re devastated. We are trying to be calm, take care of our loved ones and help those in need. All of us are in this together. And together we’ll get through it.”