War Game: The Making of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is a staggering viewing experience

The recently released ‘War Game: The Making of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2’ is a new documentary outlining the development of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. Far from a dull watch, this doco proves to be an incredible peak into the game’s troubled development and captures the spirit and heart of a team working throughout the most painful conditions imaginable. At times harrowing and inspiring, War Game: The Making of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 shows heart during every single minute of its runtime. Mandatory viewing for those fascinated by game development, the war in Ukraine, or the game itself—just be ready to watch with a box of tissues handy.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has always been a game that excited me. Announced 11 years after the previous series entry, the title had a lot to live up to. Known for its deep systems and shocking depiction of a mysterious and dangerous location in the Chornobyl exclusion zone, the original game impressed players and made quite the name for itself. Addressed in the documentary, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. put Ukraine on the map for game development. However, it turns out the weight of expectation was far from the biggest problem that was going to face the sequel’s development.

A quick disclaimer, this feature will be rather light on content because interested people should simply watch the documentary rather than read about it. However, the themes discussed and shown are heavy in nature. Be prepared to have your constitution tested as the documentary deals with political conflict, invasion, death, and raw human emotion filmed live from the scene of a warzone. Beyond this point, the feature will discuss moments that could be considered spoilers.

War Game: The Making of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 feels so earnest and raw in its retelling of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2’s development. It showcases the research the development team took when venturing into the Chornobyl exclusion zone. It shows a passionate team ready to make a beloved sequel and how they handled the weight of expectation. It shows how a team can pivot and manoeuvre after showcasing at an expo and after announcing delays. It captures the fear and preparation put into place once the news cycle starts alerting locals to a possible invasion by a neighbouring country. It shows the national pride of a people torn, deciding between leaving for their own safety or remaining to try and defend their homes. It captures the torment of loss, survivor’s guilt, and some of the most harrowing conditions imaginable.

Truly, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has been developed under unimaginable circumstances. Something you never really understand until you watch it firsthand. And this documentary allows you to do that. It’s not just about capturing the moment for historical record, it’s about celebrating the resilience of a team and their game that is being made despite all odds. Held up as a beacon of what can be achieved when people are put before profit.

War Game: The Making of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is mandatory viewing, and something you can watch yourself for free direct from the developer’s YouTube channel.