STALKER 2 has been delayed to 2023, according to an updated Xbox list shared at the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase yesterday. During the show, an image showing around 50 Xbox/PC titles coming in the next 12 months revealed that STALKER 2 had been moved out of its 2022 bracket and slated for a release in the first half of 2023.

The image shows STALKER 2 in the 2023 section, though Xbox or developer GSC Game World haven’t made any official announcements yet about the delay. The first-person shooter survival horror game was originally meant to launch on 8 December 2022, but it looks like a delay announcement might be inevitable.

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In March this year, Ukraine-based GSC Game World revealed that development on STALKER 2 had been put on hold due to the ongoing Russian invasion. The team moved from Kyiv to Prague in that same month, where development resumed shortly after, according to the studio.

However, this might’ve impacted the game’s development and targeted release date. It makes sense for Xbox to delay the game in order to give GSC Game World more time to work on the anticipated sequel.

STALKER 2 (or otherwise known as S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl) was originally slated to launch on 28 April this year. The game was delayed to 8 December 2022, but now it looks like another delay is coming.

Judging by the Xbox list, we have a lot to look forward to in the next 12 months, from exclusives like Forza Motorsport, Starfield and Redfall hitting Game Pass on day one to several third-party games also coming to the subscription service. Xbox made quite a compelling argument to keep Game Pass subscribers around, though Stalker 2 was notably absent from its recent showcase.

STALKER 2 is currently in development for Xbox Series X/S and PC. No confirmation has been given yet on the delay.

Source: Xbox