Stalker 2 ‘Has Really Come a Long Way’ Since Gamescom Preview, Says Microsoft Boss

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is finally set to release on November 20, after lengthy delays continued to push it back. The game was originally cancelled in 2012 only to resurface in 2018. Unfortunately, because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the game was further put on hold until later this month. We saw a demo for Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl at Gamescom this past August, as well as a clip of Microsoft boss Phil Spencer playing it during the show.

What we saw was already incredible, but according to Phil Spencer, in an interview with Game File, it’s come a long way since then. Developer GSC Game World faced many obstacles concerning the game’s development, though it seems that it will all be worth it. In fact, Spencer thinks that it has the potential to be some player’s game of the year.

“The fact that the game is shipping all up is just remarkable. The quality has really come a long way, and I’m proud that we got to partner [with them] to get that game done. I think it’s going to be on some people’s lists of their favorite game of the year.”

Game Pass subscribers will be able to play the game on PC and Xbox at launch. Unfortunately, PlayStation users won’t get a chance to experience the game at all. It’s unclear whether the game is exclusive to Microsoft or if there are plans to bring it over to PlayStation in the coming years. However, Xbox did support the documentary film about Stalker 2‘s wartime development, making it unlikely to be on the opposing platform. Hopefully, it’s at least on the consideration table for those who do not have a PC or Xbox to play it with.

Related: STALKER 2 Devs Advise You to ‘Adjust Your Machinery’ After a Worrying System Requirement Update

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl will be available on PC and Xbox on November 20.