A few weeks back, the gaming world was rocked by unexpected news concerning GSC Game World, the renowned Ukrainian studio behind iconic titles like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Cossacks. The revelation was made by S.T.A.L.K.E.R. developers that ownership had shifted hands, particularly with regard to Sergiy Grigorovich, the studio’s previous owner, sent ripples through the Ukrainian gaming community.
This information is available from the Ukrainian IT News portal.
As per official records updated on September 22, a significant change transpired in GSC Game World’s ownership structure. The Ukrainian entity, GSC UKRAINE LLC, no longer listed Sergiy Grigorovich as the ultimate beneficiary and owner. Subsequent entries in the Czech register on September 27, 2023, solidified this shift, indicating that GSC GAME WORLD GLOBAL LTD, based in Cyprus, emerged as the founder of GSC UKRAINE LLC. The torch of ultimate ownership passed to Maksym Volodymyrovych Krippa, a Ukrainian citizen registered in the UAE.
Maxim Tkachenko, Community Manager at GSC Game World, provided an official explanation to one of the publications, shedding light on various details of the deal. He addressed concerns regarding intellectual property, the ongoing involvement of the Grigorovich brothers, and their current standing within the company. Tkachenko also delved into the potential ramifications of these changes on GSC’s business operations and forthcoming endeavors, including the eagerly anticipated S.T.A.L.K.E.R.2: Heart of Chornobyl.
These developments underscore a pivotal juncture for GSC Game World, sparking curiosity and speculation within both the gaming industry and the broader community. As stakeholders await further insights, the studio navigates a new chapter in its storied legacy with all eyes fixed on the horizon of possibilities.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Developers: GSC Game World History
GSC Game World, a prominent game development studio founded by Sergey Grigorovich in Kyiv back in 1995, boasts a rich history of acclaimed titles, notably Cossacks and S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
The studio’s breakthrough into global recognition came with the release of Cossacks: European Wars in 2001, followed swiftly by expansions like “Cossacks: The Last Argument of Kings” and “Cossacks: War Again” in the same year. The franchise continued its momentum with the launch of “Cossacks II: Napoleonic Wars” in 2005, complemented by the subsequent release of the expansion “Cossacks II: Battle for Europe” in 2006.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. emerged as another cornerstone of GSC Game World’s portfolio, offering players a gripping shooter experience set in the eerie Chornobyl exclusion zone plagued by mutants and anomalies. The inaugural installment, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, captivated audiences upon its release in 2007, followed by the prequel expansion, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky, in 2008, and the sequel, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat, in 2009.
However, the journey of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 hit a roadblock when the company suspended its development in 2011 due to funding constraints. Yet, in a testament to resilience, GSC Game World revived its commitment to the project in 2018, eventually announcing S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2’s return at the 26th Electronic Entertainment Expo in 2021, following a collaboration with Maxim Krippa’s company.
Amidst these milestones, Yevhen Grigorovich, the brother of the studio’s founder, spearheaded a new endeavor, breathing life into the beloved Cossacks franchise with the release of Cossacks III in September 2016, followed swiftly by the debut expansion, Cossacks III: Days of Splendor, later that year, alongside several additional expansions throughout 2017.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Developers: General information about the new owner, Maxim Krippa
Maksym Krippa, a Ukrainian entrepreneur and venture capitalist, has a diverse portfolio that spans game development, esports, IT, and real estate ventures. Among his notable assets are the renowned Ukrainian esports outfit NAVI and the esports broadcasting juggernaut Maincast.
Maincast’s dominance in the esports broadcasting sphere is palpable, with the company commanding over 90% of all esports tournaments broadcasted in the Ukrainian language. The surge in demand for esports content in 2022, as reported by Esports Charts, saw a staggering 100% increase in viewership for telethons and broadcasts of esports competitions in Ukraine.
NAVI
Natus Vincere, commonly known as NAVI, stands tall as Ukraine’s premier esports team, earning their moniker “Born to Win.” Notably excelling in titles like CS: GO and Dota 2, NAVI has carved a name for themselves on the international stage. Oleksandr Kokhanovskyi’s stewardship as the team’s manager and later CEO propelled NAVI to unprecedented heights.
Recognizing the need for substantial investment to propel NAVI to new echelons of success, Kokhanovskyi made the strategic decision to sell the club in 2018, paving the way for Maxim Krippa to assume majority ownership by the end of the year. NAVI’s pivotal role in elevating Ukrainian esports was acknowledged by none other than President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who lauded their triumph at PGL Major Stockholm in 2021.
Though Krippa maintains a low public profile, his influence resonates deeply within the Ukrainian IT landscape. Leveraging his expertise and the triumphs of his other ventures, there’s little doubt that the esteemed GSC Game World studio will weather any storms, continuing to produce games that elicit national pride.
