Dans un communiqué de presse ci-dessous, GSC Gameworld remercie THQ du délai de temps qu'ils leur ont laissé, en éspérant que celà permette aux développeurs de pouvoir définitivement achever le jeu.

Ce délai permettra également à GSC de bien vérifier le fonctionnement des composants du jeu, dont le fameux X-Ray Engine, ainsi que d'autres éléments sur lesquels reposent la stabilité, la qualité et le fonctionnement du jeu.

Voici le communiqué :

"We're extremely grateful to THQ INC. for allowing us the time we feel will allow S.T.A.L.K.E.R.:Shadow Of Chernobyl to achieve its true potential" stated Oleg Yavorsky, Senior PR Manager for GSC Game World. "With the game expectation bar set so high and the team so close to achieving their ambition, we didn't want to rush the product out, and will work now on ensuring it is stable, balanced and fun-to-play on every level before releasing it to THQ INC. for manufacture. It is a hard step to take. Ultimately, I think it is a reasonable thing to do, although, I know it may disappoint our fans who have waited patiently for the game's release. All we can do is re-assure the public that we will the use the time wisely and the end result will be worth waiting for".