GSC needs funding to finish STALKER 2

GSC Game World, developer of PC shooter STALKER: Shadow Of Chernobyl, has told us that it is seeking funding to help it finish work on the game's sequel.

Yesterday the Kiev-based developer revealed on Facebook that it was still working on the game, despite reports before Christmas claiming the studio was facing closure. That threat appears to have been temporarily staved off, though the developer requires financial backing to ensure the project is completed.

"We are still in the process of seeking funding to back up the project," GSC spokesperson Oleg Yavorsky told us. "We are hopeful things turn out well eventually. The team really wants to see STALKER continue."

All of which lends weight to claims that CEO and founder Sergei Grigorovich has moved on, following reports in December which claimed he had informed staff of his intent to close the studio for unspecified personal reasons. A source claimed Grigorivich was not satisfied with progress made on STALKER 2, which was announced at Gamescom in 2010 with a view to a release in 2012.

A tweet denying the claims - "No we have not closed GSC or cancelled" - was swiftly deleted, and a subsequent tweet did little to dispel fears of closure, saying: "We will do our best to continue. However, at this point, nothing is certain."