Soldiers of the 112th Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who are currently carrying out combat missions in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, have filmed a symbolic video comparing the virtual universe of the game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 with their real-world service. The video was published by the MK Foundation charity.
The footage draws a clear parallel between the fictional world of the game and reality. It begins by showing gameplay from S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, where a character looks through a rifle scope at the abandoned "Energetik" Palace of Culture in Pripyat. Moments later, the scene transitions to reality: a Ukrainian soldier in a gas mask and full combat gear steps out of a minibus in the middle of the actual Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, set against the backdrop of the real "Energetik" building. The abandoned structures and overgrown streets, which represent mere digital atmosphere for millions of gamers, have become a site of daily confrontation with a real enemy for the Ukrainian defenders.
To carry out their missions in the Exclusion Zone, soldiers of the 112th Territorial Defense Brigade use vehicles provided to the unit by the MK Foundation (the video features a branded minibus bearing the logos of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, Maincast, and the foundation). This transport provides the military with the necessary mobility for rapid movement and the prompt delivery of equipment under challenging service conditions.
The creators dedicated the video to all Ukrainian servicemen and women currently defending the country. Maxim Krippa, CEO of the ARS Capital holding, thanked the defenders on social media, noting:
"We are waiting for everyone to come home, so we can 'play this game' online only."
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