STALKER 2 Now Targeting the First Half of 2023, According to New Xbox Graphic

ign.com:

After pausing development due to the war in Ukraine, STALKER 2 now appears to be set for a 2023 release.

Following today's Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase, Xbox tweeted a graphic with images of its upcoming games. You'll notice STALKER 2 is listed under the 2023 side of the graphic, seemingly confirming that the game has been delayed again. However, it seems the game is targeting the first half of 2023, as Xbox notes that all games listed in the image are targeting to release over the next 12 months.

✨ VIDEO GAMES ✨ pic.twitter.com/r48l1xE9ln

Earlier this year, STALKER 2 was pushed back from April 2022 to December 2022. At the time, GSC Game World said the delay would help the team "fulfill our vision and achieve the desired state of the game."

Shortly after this announcement, Russia's invasion of Ukraine paused development for the Kyiv-based developer. At the time, GSC Game World said "game development shifted to the side-lines" and would continue "after the victory."

Then, just last month, reports emerged saying the developer had resumed work on the game, with rumors saying some of the developers had relocated. Since the development pause, this is the first we've heard of a new release window for STALKER 2.

STALKER was not present in today's Xbox showcase. Instead, the presentation primarily focused on Starfield and Redfall, along with a tease for Hideo Kojima's next project.

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.