STALKER developer killed in action defending Ukraine

Video game developer Volodymyr Yezhov has been killed in action while fighting the war in Ukraine.

The tragic news was shared on Twitter by Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, who report that Yezhov died in a battle near Bakhmut. Yezhov worked with Ukrainian studio GSC Game World, the company best known for its work on the STALKER series.

Development on STALKER 2 was put on hold earlier this year, just weeks into Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The company said at the time that it was focused on helping its workers and their families survive.

As we near the one year to the day that Russia invaded Ukraine (24 February), the conflict is showing no signs of abating. The war has now claimed thousands of lives, both civilian and solider.

“Volodymyr Yezhov died in a battle near Bakhmut, defending Ukraine from Russian invaders' Ukraine's MOD wrote on Twitter. Volodymyr was a father to two sons. Eternal glory to the Hero!”

The official STALKER Twitter account replied to this post, thanking their colleague for his bravery.

“Volodymyr gave us so many games, so many universes…the players will always remember him," they wrote. "Thank you, Volodymyr. Our condolences to the family. Ukraine has lost another hero. Герої не вмирають [heroes do not die].”

Developer and publisher Frogwares also paid tribute to their former colleague. "His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him" the team said on Twitter. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

GSC Game World is reported to have raised over £600,000 for Ukrainian aid through charity game sales, providing help for various humanitarian efforts in the country.