The Ukrainian studio GSC Game World, which brought the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series to the world, has joined the “Flag of Independence” charity initiative. As part of the project, the company purchased two copies of the commemorative flag, thereby supporting the fundraiser for the Ukrainian military.
Representatives of the nonprofit organization Ukraine WOW spoke about GSC Game World’s participation in the project.
The initiative was launched on the eve of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s restoration of independence. Ukraine WOW, together with the “Come Back Alive” Foundation and with the support of the Verkhovna Rada, recreated the flag that was ceremoniously carried into the Verkhovna Rada on August 24, 1991, by People’s Deputies Vyacheslav Chornovil and Ivan Zayets. It was this seven-meter blue-and-yellow flag that became one of the most important symbols of Ukraine’s declaration of independence.
Only 1,000 copies of the historic flag were created for this charitable project. Each one has a unique serial number, and along with the flag, the owner receives a postcard personally signed by Ivan Zayets and a certificate.
GSC Game World purchased two flags, thereby contributing to the fundraiser for the Ukrainian Defense Forces. In general, a copy of the historic flag can be obtained for a charitable donation of 40,000 hryvnias.
The funds raised through this initiative will be used to purchase ground-based robotic systems for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
GSC Game World’s Activities Beyond S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
Founded in Kyiv in 1995, GSC Game World has grown over the years to become one of Ukraine’s most recognizable game development studios. In 2024, the company released S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl—the long-awaited sequel to the cult series, which was in development even as a full-scale war raged.
The studio had to work under challenging conditions: the team faced Russian cyberattacks and leaks of internal materials. Despite this, development continued, and the emphasis on Ukrainian identity remained an important part of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. This applies not only to the main game—Ukrainian themes are also evident in the materials for the upcoming expansion.
GSC Game World is owned by entrepreneur Maksym Krippa. The studio has previously collaborated with Ukraine WOW, presenting S.T.A.L.K.E.R. as one of the phenomena of contemporary Ukrainian culture. The series has long transcended the boundaries of the gaming industry and become part of the Ukrainian cultural context, known to an international audience.
GSC Game World also participates in projects dedicated to topics of importance to Ukraine. These include “Chornobyl Stories” with testimonies from liquidators and their families, a joint campaign with the State Emergency Service on mine safety, as well as representing the studio and the Ukrainian game development industry at international events, including Gamescom. In 2024, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl was even granted the status of honorary ambassador of Ukraine in the field of digital diplomacy and received a corresponding award from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Other well-known Ukrainian companies have also joined the “Flag of Independence” project. On the very first day of the initiative, over 300 flags were purchased.