Operation Matryoshka: Russian security services use STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl to launch an information attack on the Ukrainian public, but they didn't succeed very well

By: Anton Kratiuk | yesterday, 14:19
A look into the heart of Chernobyl: A review of the new STALKER 2 artwork Official art for STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Source: GSC Game World

The world media and Ukrainian Telegram channels are spreading the "shocking" news that hidden software has been discovered in the code of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. 2: Heart of Chornobyl detected hidden software that transmits every second to the government of Ukraine (apparently referring to military recruitment offices) data on the data of citizens suitable for mobilisation and their whereabouts.

Here's What We Know

Well, we hasten to reassure our readers - this is not a particularly intricate Russian information-psychological special operation (IPSO).

In the network appeared material "portal WIRED", which claims that GSC Game World allegedly through the game collects personal data of users. At the same time, the video shows random shots of the shooter and some abstract pieces of programme code, in which a date or platform is randomly allocated.

Of course, GSC Game World would never go to such a step, and how the programme would distinguish between a "fit person" and an "unfit" is a question. And we will certainly not reveal a secret if we inform you that the state already knows all the necessary information about its citizens and it is not difficult to trace their whereabouts if necessary.

The French news agency AFP, which together with many other media outlets received the fake video, called this operation "Matryoshka doll". As always, the main goal of such throw-ins is not to convince people of anything, but to generate so many rumours and speculations that people lose confidence in any information and the ability to think critically - this is the main principle of Russian propaganda.

One can't help but remember a Ukrainian joke from 2023: "everyone who comes to the military enlistment centre voluntarily will receive not only a machine gun, but also a free copy of S.T.A.L.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl."

Source: 404 Media