Irishman Brendan Caldwell wrote a review of the Ukrainian game STALKER 2, in which he noticed manifestations of Ukrainian nationalism. Ukrainians responded to such statements with jokes and memes.
During the gameplay of “STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobil”, a European observer noticed a matchbox painted blue and yellow and a field of poppies on which Zaporozhye Cossacks were buried. There were no other features specific to Ukraine, but that did not stop the observer from declaring that he saw nationalism there. A detailed review has been published on the Eurogamer portal. Focus It collected dozens of memes and reviews in which Ukrainians responded to the accusations.
A short story about STALKER 2 was written by writer Brendan Caldwell, who lives in Northern Ireland, plays computer games and writes reviews. The portal contains the only text he wrote, first about the Russia-Ukraine war, and then about two programmers from the team who were killed by the Russians. And then he complains about nationalism: in his opinion, this is evidenced by two objects – a matchbox and a poppy field.
“While this week’s first-person shooter doesn’t assault the player with overt references to the ongoing conflict, small glimmers of Ukrainian nationalism shine through; the colors of a flag on a matchbox, a field of poppies symbolizing the eerie resting place of fallen soldiers.” Brandon wrote.
On the Internet you can find screenshots of the game moments written by the reviewer. On one there is a screenshot with matches, and on the box there is an imitation of a flag without a Kazakh with matches. The second one has a poppy field.
STALKER 2 game – Ukrainians’ reaction
Ukrainians responded to the European’s criticism with memes. There is a group of messages for goods coming from the EU, the UK and the USA, which also publishes packaging made with national symbols. Observers rhetorically ask whether he sees nationalism here too and whether his statements are double standards.
There was also a post on the social network X of the Kyivstar company.
Others mocked European concerns by drawing swastikas on matchboxes or implying that a Cossack with matches symbolized a torchlight procession in honor of Stepan Bandera’s birthday.
There are also publications showing another popular matchbox in Ukraine: on it is a red poppy, which Brandon is afraid of. They also write that there is nothing scary about such a design, that it overflows from store shelves without symbolizing anything.
Ukrainians demonstrated that Europeans were horrified by any Ukrainian symbol and suggested that this was a result of powerful Russian propaganda.
They also remembered other things that should be perceived as nationalism in the West, but should be considered calmly, unlike the symbols of Ukraine. Among other things, we were shown candies in the colors of the Latvian flag, an Ikea store in yellow and blue, and even a painting by Van Gogh, which Brandon is also supposed to hate.
It should also be noted that Ukrainian developers’ STALKER 2 game went on sale on November 20 and they managed to sell 2 million copies in the first four days. Meanwhile, the Russian Federation promises to punish such entertainment: Russian politicians see it as a compromise of Ukrainian nationalism and the Russian Armed Forces.
Let us also remind you that on November 21, Western users liked the Ukrainian voice of the STALKER 2 game and gave recommendations to people who plan to play the game.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.