S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Release Slowed Ukrainian Internet Because It Was So Popular

The survival horror shooter, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, proved so immensely popular in Ukraine that its launch caused a significant nationwide internet slowdown. Let's delve into the details of the game's release and the developers' reaction.

A Nation Enters The Zone

The sheer volume of simultaneous downloads on November 20th, the game's launch day, overwhelmed Ukrainian internet providers Tenet and Triolan. Both providers reported normal daytime internet speeds, but a dramatic drop in the evening, directly attributed to the massive influx of players downloading S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. Triolan's official Telegram announcement (as translated by ITC) stated, "We're currently experiencing temporary reduced internet speeds across the board. This is due to increased channel load from the huge interest in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 release."

Even after successfully downloading the game, many players encountered slow login times and loading issues. The internet disruption lasted for hours before resolving as downloads completed. The developers at GSC Game World expressed a mixture of pride and surprise at this unprecedented event.

Creative director Mariia Grygorovych shared, "It was tough for the whole country, and the internet disruption is a serious issue. But at the same time, it's incredible!" She continued, emphasizing the positive impact: "For our team, the most important thing is that we brought a bit of joy to people in Ukraine. We did something positive for our home country."

The game's phenomenal success is undeniable: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 sold an impressive 1 million copies within just two days of its release. Despite acknowledged performance issues and bugs, the game's sales were exceptionally strong globally, particularly in its native Ukraine.

GSC Game World, a Ukrainian studio operating from Kyiv and Prague, faced numerous challenges bringing the game to market. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine caused multiple launch delays, but the team persevered, finally releasing the game in November. The studio remains committed to addressing the game's bugs and optimizing performance, recently releasing its third major patch.