The State Duma warns of criminal liability for purchasing S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 in the Russian Federation

Anton Gorelkin, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, pointed out the possible ban of the game in Russia. He noted that the decision could be made not only because of the financial support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine by the developers, but also because of the possible presence of extremist content in the game itself. Lawyer Mikhail Mushailov also warned that law enforcement agencies could consider the purchase of the game as support for terrorism.

According to Gorelkin, the chances of banning S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl in Russia are quite high, although he does not rule out that this decision could be based not only on the support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine by the developers. "If, after the release, materials are found in the game content that can be regarded as extremism, justification of terrorism or incitement of ethnic hatred, serious consequences are possible," the deputy noted.

He added that if prohibited information is found in the game, not only its creator, but also those who will disseminate this information could be held liable.

After the conflict in Ukraine began, the GSC Game World studio, which is developing the game, began to raise funds for the Come Back Alive charity fund. This fund was declared undesirable in Russia in 2024, as it financed the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and trained military personnel.

Lawyer Mikhail Mushailov also noted that buyers of the game may come under the attention of law enforcement agencies if they are informed that the money from the sale of the game is being used to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "If buyers are aware of the direction of funds, questions may arise from law enforcement agencies, and your ignorance will not save you from the consequences," the lawyer warned.

According to him, in order to prove the intent of the buyer and accuse him of treason, it is necessary to prove that he deliberately supports organizations that oppose the Russian Federation. However, Mushailov recommended that even apolitical fans of the Ukrainian gaming industry refrain from buying such games.

Back in 2022, GSC Game World announced the suspension of sales of its products for Russian users, and physical copies of the game will not be available even for those who pre-ordered. However, there is information on the Internet about how Russian players can get S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, but Mushailov strongly recommended avoiding such methods of purchase.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a first-person shooter set in the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exclusion zone. The first game in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series was released in 2007, and the next two parts were released in 2008 and 2009. The expected release of the new game is scheduled for November 20, 2024.