I still haven't played the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R., and I consider that a mortal sin. I'm sorry.

Confusion over the financial status of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. developer GSC Game World and whether S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 would ever see the light of day continues, but there’s reason to be hopeful.

The development team recently confirmed work on the game revved up again after the holidays.

“The Stalker team is extremely happy!” said the company on its Facebook page. “Why? Because we are continuing work on Stalker 2 after the holidays."

Desire only means so much without money, however, and a spokesperson for the studio told Edge Online that GSC Game World is currently in the midst of figuring that very important part out.

"We are still in the process of seeking funding to back up the project," said the spokesperson. "We are hopeful things turn out well eventually. The team really wants to see STALKER continue."