Ukrainian game development studio Frogwares has officially released The Sinking City 2, a dark action-horror game inspired by the cosmic horror writings of legendary author H.P. Lovecraft. The highly anticipated sequel is now available on personal computers and gaming consoles, marking another milestone for the Kyiv-based studio that has been creating games in the Lovecraftian universe for years. However, the release has generated significant attention not only for its gameplay but also for the developer’s deliberate decision to exclude Russian language localization from the game.
Frogwares has made it explicitly clear that the absence of Russian language support is a principled decision stemming from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The studio, which has been operating from Ukraine since its founding in 2000, has taken a firm political stance following Russia’s full-scale invasion of their country in February 2022. This decision reflects a broader trend among Ukrainian developers who have chosen to distance their products from the Russian market as a form of protest and solidarity with their nation during wartime.
A Legacy Built on Lovecraftian Horror
The Sinking City franchise draws heavily from the mythos created by H.P. Lovecraft, the American writer whose works in the early 20th century defined the cosmic horror genre. The original game, released in 2019, transported players to the fictional city of Oakmont, Massachusetts, a waterlogged metropolis plagued by supernatural forces and eldritch horrors. Players took on the role of a private investigator uncovering dark mysteries while battling creatures inspired by Lovecraft’s terrifying creations. The sequel promises to expand upon this foundation with improved graphics, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and an even more immersive horror experience.
Frogwares has established itself as one of the premier developers of detective and horror games, previously known for their Sherlock Holmes series before venturing into Lovecraftian territory. The studio employs approximately 80 people and has continued operations despite the challenges posed by the war, with some team members relocating while others remain in Ukraine. Their persistence in releasing major titles under such circumstances has earned them respect within the gaming community worldwide.
Ukrainian Gaming Industry During Wartime
The Ukrainian gaming industry has shown remarkable resilience since the beginning of the Russian invasion. Several prominent studios, including GSC Game World (creators of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.), 4A Games (Metro series), and Frogwares, have continued developing and releasing games despite the ongoing conflict. Many Ukrainian developers have used their platforms to raise awareness about the war and have collectively refused to support the Russian market. This stance has included removing Russian language options, blocking sales in Russia, and donating portions of their proceeds to humanitarian efforts.
The decision to exclude Russian localization carries both symbolic and practical implications. While it represents a clear political statement, it also affects millions of Russian-speaking gamers who may have otherwise purchased the game. However, Frogwares and similar studios have indicated that maintaining their principles takes precedence over potential lost revenue. The gaming community has largely been supportive of these decisions, recognizing the difficult circumstances under which these developers operate.
What Players Can Expect from The Sinking City 2
The sequel builds upon the atmospheric foundation of its predecessor, offering players an open-world investigation experience filled with supernatural threats and psychological horror. The game features improved combat systems, more detailed environments, and expanded narrative elements that delve deeper into Lovecraftian mythology. Players will once again navigate a city consumed by madness and flooding, making difficult choices that affect the story’s outcome while managing their character’s sanity in the face of incomprehensible horrors.
The Sinking City 2 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC through various digital storefronts. The game supports multiple languages including English, French, German, Spanish, and Polish, among others. Early reviews suggest that Frogwares has successfully delivered a worthy successor that captures the essence of Lovecraft’s unsettling universe while addressing some criticisms leveled at the original game regarding combat and exploration mechanics.
Expert Opinion: The decision by Frogwares to exclude Russian language support represents a significant moment in gaming industry politics, demonstrating how developers are increasingly willing to take principled stances even at potential financial cost. This trend among Ukrainian studios may have lasting implications for how the global gaming market views regional localization decisions in politically charged contexts. As the conflict continues, we can expect more Ukrainian developers to follow similar paths, effectively creating a new precedent for combining creative work with political expression.
