Stalker 2 DRM: no firm decision made
But GSC notes "severe level" of piracy.
Stalker 2 developer GSC Game World is looking for a way to protect its upcoming game from the threat of piracy in a way that is "acceptable for all", but warned that it may have to go down the always-online DRM route.
Concern was sparked by a Ukrainian interview that suggested Stalker 2, due out on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, will force gamers to be connected to the internet at all times to play.
But GSC has insisted no decision has been made.
"The idea of implementing DRM came in as a possible anti-piracy solution," GSC explained to Rock, Paper Shotgun.
"You know the severe level of commercial piracy we have here in ex-USSR region. This said however, there is no firm decision to go for DRM with Stalker 2 as of now. Be assured, we do realize how uncomfortable this solution is for the players, so we'll continue looking for most effective, yet acceptable for all, way of protecting the game by the time of its release."
Always-on internet DRM is currently a hot topic of debate among gamers, with a number of PC game developers deciding it's right for their titles.
Eurogamer's "How bad is PC piracy, really?" investigation looked into the issue, seeking thoughts from Capcom, GOG.com and the PC Gaming Alliance.
Stalker 2 was announced last August, following an eye-opening announcement of 4 million sales for the series so far.