In 2001, a group of young developers from Kyiv set out to create the most challenging computer game ever — with realistic graphics, an open world, and an unconventional storyline set against the backdrop of the Chornobyl Zone.

From the very first promo campaign, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. was one of the most anticipated releases, with hundreds of thousands of gamers eagerly waiting for it. But the developers became prisoners of their own ambitions — they kept polishing the game, endlessly pushing back the release date year after year. Until one day, their American publisher finally ran out of patience.

This is a story about the gaming industry, pure creative obsession, and a project that broke out beyond the screen to become a pop culture phenomenon.

The film is part of the documentary series 'EPISODES', which explores fascinating stories from independent Ukraine’s history. They’re naive, heartbreaking, and ambitious all at once. Told by the people who lived them, with the help of unique archival footage.

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