Stalker 2 Dev GSC Game World Responds to Founder’s Comments on Xbox Exclusivity

Stalker 2 developer GSC Game World has taken issue with founder Sergiy Grygorovych’s recent comments about the money the company allegedly received for Stalker 2 Xbox exclusivity. In a statement issued to IGN, the company said that owner Max Krippa funded the majority of the development budget, and they could not confirm the details of the exclusivity deal with Microsoft.

Grygorovych had previously stated that Microsoft paid the company more than the cost of Stalker 2 for Xbox exclusivity, with the game turning a profit before its release. However, GSC Game World has now disputed these claims, stating that they do not reflect the actual state of affairs.

A Look at Stalker 2’s Success

Despite the controversy surrounding the exclusivity deal, Stalker 2 has been a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies in two days and surpassing 6 million players. The game was released on PC and Xbox Series X and S in November 2024, and on PlayStation 5 a year later, in November 2025.

The success of Stalker 2 has been attributed to its engaging gameplay and immersive storyline, which has captured the attention of gamers worldwide. The game’s developer, GSC Game World, has been praised for its dedication to creating a high-quality gaming experience.

Microsoft’s Gaming Philosophy

Microsoft’s decision to acquire Stalker 2’s developer, GSC Game World, was seen as a strategic move to boost interest in its Xbox Game Pass subscription service. The company’s gaming philosophy has been to create a diverse selection of games on the platform, making it more appealing to gamers.

However, with the recent restructure of Microsoft’s gaming business under new CEO Asha Sharma, the future of Game Pass is unclear. The company has cut 1,600 staff from Xbox, with another 1,600 to go this financial year, and has pulled Call of Duty out of Game Pass as a day-one launch title.

Industry Experts Weigh In

Industry experts have praised Microsoft for its generosity in cutting deals for Game Pass and exclusivity, which has helped reduce risk and keep studios afloat. However, some have questioned the financial viability of the service, citing the high cost of content acquisition and the need for more subscribers to justify the expense.

Mike Brown, a former creative director at Playground Games, has spoken out about the challenges facing Game Pass, stating that it has failed to hit enough subscribers to justify Microsoft’s huge spending on content acquisition. He has defended Microsoft’s concept of Game Pass, praising its player-focused approach and the games that would otherwise not have been made were it not to have existed.