Atomic Heart has seen its fair share of controversy over the course of what has been a tumultuous development cycle, and with the game now less than a month away from launch, it’s found itself caught in another one of late.
Recently, a report published by AIN.Capital alleged that Atomic Heart developer Mundfish’s online store mentions in its privacy police that users’ data may be collected and shared with Russian state authorities, including the tax office and the Federal Security Service (FSB). The report claimed that the clause is only mentioned on the developer’s Russian website and is nowhere to be found on the page’s English version.
Responding to the report’s allegations, Mundfish has said in a statement to GamesRadar that its website does not collect users’ data, and that the privacy statement in question is “outdated and wrong”. The developer says it has now shut down the shop altogether “to assure our fans of the integrity of our studio and products”.
“Our game and website DO NOT collect any information or data,” the developer said in its statement. “The website’s privacy statement is outdated and wrong, and should have been removed years ago. We have shut down the shop to assure our fans of the integrity of our studio and products. We apologize for any confusion on this matter.”
It’s worth noting that the report made a number of allegations that the developer hasn’t yet addressed, such as Atomic Heart’s development apparently being “sponsored by Russian investors”, which, in light of Mundfish’s recent reluctance to comment on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has raised some eyebrows. The developer also says on its website that it is a multinational team based in Cyprus, but according to the AIN report, Mundfish is based in Moscow.
Mundfish recently confirmed that it has wrapped up development on Atomic Heart, with the shooter set to launch on February 21.
