GSC Game World, the studio behind the upcoming "Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl," has launched a fundraising campaign to support the removal of mines and explosive devices from the real-world Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with Ukrainian state-run charity United24, aims to raise $100,000 for demining operations.

The Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, established after the 1986 nuclear power plant disaster, remains a hazardous area due to radioactive contamination and was occupied by Russian troops in the early days of the invasion of Ukraine. Following their withdrawal, the zone was left with numerous mines and explosives, posing a significant threat to returning workers and researchers. United24 reports that at least eight incidents involving wounded or killed staff and soldiers have occurred since the Russian forces departed.

Ihor Bezkaravainyi of Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy and Environment stated that demining the zone is crucial for the safety of scientists and energy workers. "Particular attention is being paid to creating safe routes for firefighting and rescue teams, allowing them to respond to fires in the Zone more quickly, without putting their lives at risk from mines," he added.

To incentivize donations, GSC Game World is offering various rewards to contributors. Gifts include patches, t-shirts, copies of "Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl Ultimate Edition," and unique collectible statuettes. The campaign's centerpiece prize is one of five "Artifact keychains" crafted from the wreckage of a Russian Mi-8 helicopter that was shot down over the Exclusion Zone.

"Chornobyl is the beating heart of our gaming universe," GSC Game World said in a statement. "For us, it’s far more than just a setting or a narrative backdrop—it’s a vital piece of the Ukrainian cultural code and an inseparable part of our identity. Today, amid the ongoing war, we want our work to carry real-world power and help our country overcome the devastating consequences of the Russian invasion."

The studio highlighted the symbolic significance of the demining project, noting its previous successful collaboration with United24. Their earlier "Bring Light Back" campaign raised over $120,000 to provide generators for Ukrainian schools experiencing power outages due to the ongoing conflict.

Donations for the demining initiative can be made through the United24 website at u24.gov.ua.