Even though Stalker 2 stayed true to the Eurojank stereotype with its myriad of bugs and incomplete features, it might just become the next big thing. Stalker 2 and its developers have achieved a new milestone recently; the game is more profitable than most of us expected, so much so, that the devs are somewhat optimistic about a Netflix adaptation for Stalker.
The announcement came from GSC Game World’s Maksym Krippa. Krippa was interviewed by Forbes Ukraine where he unveiled the success of Stalker 2 and the dev studio’s plans for the near future.
Krippa then mentioned that Stalker 2 is now a profitable project, which could lead to possible expansions. On top of that, GSC Game World is also considering and is currently negotiating a Stalker series with Netflix.
“We have already sold enough to make the project profitable. The team worked almost 24/7 before the release. They lived this project, especially against the backdrop of war. We wanted to give the country hope and pride, to show everyone that Ukrainians can make projects of such a high level.
I would like us to get the series on Netflix. Some negotiations are underway, but the issue has not yet been resolved,” according to Krippa thanks to translations from Polygon and ITC.
Krippa seems confident enough in the game’s success to announce the Netflix negotiation though that’s not a sign that it will push through. Or even if it does, Netflix might just cancel it after two seasons at most anyway. Still, it’s a chance for the Stalker franchise to get its much-needed spotlight again.
For a game with not much marketing, Stalker 2‘s success is nothing short of impressive and is a testament to the fanbase’s dedication considering it’s a belated sequel.
Not the First Time Stalker Would Be On-Screen
For those who are unaware, you can actually get a sample of what Stalker would look like if adapted into a live-action medium. Back in 1979, a Stalker film was released by director Andrei Tarkovsky. Ukraine was still under the Soviet Union back then and it was seven years before the Chornobyl nuclear disaster happened.
This critically praised Stalker film was an adaptation of the 1972 Russian sci-fi novel Roadside Picnic. Regardless, the Stalker movie, Roadside Picnic, and the Stalker games all revolved around “The Zone” and their scavengers or the Stalkers. It’s worth noting the games spliced the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone into the lore (it was a perfect opportunity).
It’s not clear which Stalker Krippa wants Netflix to adapt into a series, but it’s likely going to be based on the games. Don’t hold your breath though as the deal is still under negotiation.
