A coordinated Russian disinformation campaign is targeting S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2—an anticipated video game developed by the Ukrainian studio GSC Game World, symbolizing Ukrainian resilience amid prolonged Russian aggression.

A fake video is circulating on Telegram and via emails, claiming that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is used for mobilization processes in Ukraine and allegedly collecting personal data from players, such as names, IP addresses, and locations. The video also falsely claims a collaboration between GSC Game World and the Ukrainian government.

In the video, which falsely depicts S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 as a tool for the Ukrainian government to track potential recruits, it is claimed that the game secretly collects players' personal data. This video, featuring gameplay footage, alleges an embedded program in the game's code collecting information such as players' names, IP addresses, and locations, transmitting this data every second.

"This Ukrainian game, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, helps the government find citizens suitable for mobilization", asserts the video narrative. It also claims that GSC Game World made a deal with the Ukrainian government, promising to aid in mobilization in exchange for financial support to complete the game. However, these claims are entirely unfounded.

GSC Game World, the studio behind S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, has yet to provide an official response, but there is no evidence supporting the video's claims. Moreover, the WIRED watermark is a fake—WIRED confirmed they neither created nor endorsed this video.

The video is disseminated by the same network of disinformation agents previously targeting journalists and media organizations, including the French news agency AFP and the digital publication 404 Media, in an operation dubbed "Matryoshka".

According to research by experts at the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRL), these disinformation efforts are part of a broader strategy aimed at undermining the reputation of Ukraine and its allies, including NATO countries. By filling Telegram, social media, and journalists' mailboxes with false narratives, the campaign attempts to sow distrust in independent media and waste journalists' time with false stories.

Interestingly, Russian propaganda uses narratives and accuses Ukrainian developers of scenarios involving the Russian game Atomic Heart, which leaked user data to state entities.

Given the importance of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 for the Ukrainian game development sector and Ukraine as a whole, it is unsurprising that Russian disinformation efforts have targeted the game, attempting to undermine both its success and cultural significance. Despite this propagandistic attack, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 remains a symbol of Ukraine's determination, and its release stands as a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people in their ongoing struggle for sovereignty.

As the war continues, the targeting of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 by Russian disinformation agents is yet another example of how media and cultural products can become powerful tools in global information warfare.