S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
GSC Game World, a Ukrainian gaming company known for its popular Cossacks and Stalker series, has announced a change of ownership. The new owner of the company is investor Maksym Krippa, who has acquired a controlling stake. According to media reports, this change took place at the end of September last year, when the company’s ultimate beneficiary was changed.
This was reported by Ukrainian IT News.
Information about the transfer of ownership became known in the spring of 2023, when Vitaliy Volochai, co-founder of Maincast studio, pointed to Maksym Krippa as an investor in GSC Game World. According to a publication on ITC.ua, Maksym Krippa has now become the beneficiary of the studio, which has a presence in Ukraine and the Czech Republic, replacing Sergey Grigorovich. It was also noted that Tetiana Rashkivska became the beneficiary of MIR IGR LLC and the GSC Game World trademark. Despite these changes, the game studio itself claims that there have been no significant changes in the company’s operations.
GSC sale: what is the reaction of game developers
Fans are speculating about the reasons for the sale of the studio.
The reasons for the sale of Stalker can be varied. One of the main ones is financial difficulties or the need for investment to complete the development and release of the game. Perhaps the previous owners did not have enough resources or experience to realize all their ambitious plans for the project.
Another important factor may be the desire to attract new investors or partners who can bring fresh ideas, new technologies, and additional capital to the game. This can help to ensure the success of the project in the market and meet the expectations of the fans of the series.
The reaction of the company’s developers to the news of the sale of the studios was calming. Community manager Maksym Tkachenko noted that cooperation with the investor Mr. Krippa started back in 2020, and there have been no significant changes since then. He also pointed out that the structure of the deal is subject to non-disclosure, so the details remain confidential.
Tkachenko confirmed that Krippa is developing various business areas.
The founders of the studio, the Grigorovich brothers, continue to manage Stalker, and Yevhen Grigorovich remains CEO. Tkachenko highlighted that investor support is crucial for the company’s growth, enabling it to achieve higher quality standards and expand its range of games and intellectual properties.
Biography of Max Krippa
Investor and entrepreneur Maxim Krippa
Maksym Krippa, a entrepreneur known for his successful investments in IT, Game Development and Real Estate, has gained wide popularity as the majority owner of the NAVI esports team since 2018. Krippa has also made successful investments in GSC Game World, the studio developing the hugely popular S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game.
Maksym Krippa is noted for his influence in the esports industry, which has allowed him to close successful deals, including an investment in Maincast, a Ukrainian esports broadcasting company. His credibility and experience contribute to the development of this industry in Ukraine.
As for GSC Game World, Maksym Krippa became its owner, building on the legacy of the company’s founder, Ukrainian Sergey Grigorovich, who created the popular Stalker series of games. The new game of this studio, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, is due to be released in early 2024, which is of great interest to gamers and fans of this franchise.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. has gained popularity due to its unique combination of open world, post-apocalyptic atmosphere and intense gameplay. Players were impressed by the realistic simulation of life in the exclusion zone, atmospheric details and challenging tasks that required a strategic approach. The unusual game mechanics, which combined elements of shooter, RPG and survival horror, also played an important role.
The long-awaited second installment of the Stalker game is coming soon, and gamers around the world are eagerly awaiting its release. “Stalker 2” promises to be better than its predecessor thanks to significant improvements in graphics, a detailed world and a more exciting storyline. Developers from GSC Game World have made every effort to create an even more atmospheric and realistic game world filled with new dangers, challenges and opportunities for exploration.
The game also offers an expanded open world that gives players more freedom to explore and survive. New gameplay mechanics, improved physics, and artificial intelligence make the gameplay even more exciting and dynamic. Those who appreciate a high-quality story and the atmosphere of a post-apocalyptic world will find in Stalker 2 everything that makes this series unique and unforgettable.