## A Ukrainian Refugee Finds Solace and Connection in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
For Vasyl Zhytynskyi, the recently released video game *S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl* is more than just entertainment; it’s a poignant connection to his childhood and a reflection of his homeland’s current struggles. His journey began in Ternopil, Ukraine, where, at the age of seven, he was captivated by the original *S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl*. Limited internet access meant sharing and trading games with friends, and the game’s installation, requiring multiple disks, proved challenging on his family’s computer. Despite the technical hurdles, the fictionalized Chernobyl disaster zone and its radioactive monsters held him enthralled for hours, his bravery even earning him calls from scared friends needing help to complete the game’s most chilling sections.
Now residing in Harwood Heights, Illinois, after arriving in the Chicago area two years ago as a Ukrainian refugee, Zhytynskyi’s connection to *S.T.A.L.K.E.R.* has deepened. He left Ukraine seven months after the Russian invasion, a military linguist who felt compelled to leave for his family’s sake, despite his desire to join the army. He’s one of approximately 30,000 Ukrainian refugees in the Chicago area who arrived via the Uniting for Ukraine program. The release of *S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2* has become a source of comfort amidst his displacement. “Sometimes when it gets lonely, I turn it on,” he shared.
The game itself carries immense weight. Developed by the Ukrainian studio GSC Game World, its creation was fraught with challenges, including intermittent electricity and rocket fire, resulting in some developers joining the fight against the Russian invasion while others fled to neighboring countries. Tragically, developer Volodymyr Yezhov and voice actor Oleksiy Khilskyi were killed on the front lines. This backdrop transformed the game’s development into a powerful symbol of resilience: “We are like a Ukrainian flag that’s still fluttering even though it’s been damaged by wind and missiles,” explained Anastasiia Turupalova, an executive at GSC Game World, in a documentary about the game’s creation.
The game’s impact resonated deeply with Zhytynskyi. The opening scene, depicting the main character’s home being destroyed, mirrored the reality of life in Ukraine. “Seeing that introduction is a reminder of what really happens in Ukraine,” he said, highlighting the constant threat of missile strikes. “People often say video games are beyond politics, but nothing is beyond politics…That’s a story many Ukrainians are living right now.”
Beyond the narrative, the game’s cultural significance is profound. The use of the Ukrainian spelling “Chornobyl” instead of the Russian “Chernobyl,” Ukrainian voiceovers, and radio stations featuring Ukrainian artists and cultural discussions, serve as a testament to Ukrainian pride and identity. Zhytynskyi’s enjoyment extends beyond the gameplay; he even listens to the in-game radio stations while he eats. “There are not many games with Ukrainian voice-overs,” he noted. “I just enjoy hearing my own language in the game.”
The game’s success, Zhytynskyi hopes, will foster a greater understanding and appreciation of Ukrainian culture globally, particularly as Russian attacks have destroyed over 2,000 Ukrainian cultural sites, including libraries, museums, and historical archives, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Information Policy. “We have our own identity and our own language,” he stated. “We have a lot to offer to the world, and that’s our ambition. We want to be part of the globe.” For Vasyl Zhytynskyi, *S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2* has become a powerful symbol of resilience, a cherished link to his past, and a hopeful bridge to a future where Ukrainian culture thrives.