Since the start of the war in Ukraine, millions of landmines have been placed, and unexploded bombs are scattered throughout the country, making Ukraine one of the most mine-contaminated areas in the world.
These hidden explosives present a long-term threat, and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine has teamed up with GSC Games World to educate young people on how to spot the threats and get to safety.
Ukrainian developer GSC Games has created a video in partnership with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, using one of their most popular titles, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, to deliver a life-saving message.
Approximately 20% of Ukraine is potentially dangerous due to landmines and hidden explosives, and this collaborative video game PSA aims to spread awareness to the Ukrainian youth.
GSC Games and State Emergency Service of Ukraine Team Up To Keep Kids Safe
In the new PSA video, Skif, the main protagonist from STALKER 2, is seen entering a courtyard that has a soccer net and a ball, and as most young people would be inclined to do, he kicks the ball at the net. Skif demonstrates the grim reality of war, as he points out that the soccer net he just attempted to score on has been rigged with a frag grenade trap.
Skif shows the weight of the message and the importance for people to be aware of their surroundings right from the beginning. «This is serious—not a game»
He then gives the audience a quick run-down of what a person should do when they come across landmines or traps. «If you spot one, don’t come r, not even a step.»
Skif explains that these explosives are purposefully hidden and disguised, so kids should steer clear of suspicious items like wires, boxes, and toys. «One mistake—and it’s your last.» Says Skif.
In an interview with The United Nations Mine Action Service, Senior Mine Action Advisor, Paul Heslop says booby-traps in urban areas, denial of agricultural land, and unexploded bombs that are buried 15 feet underground are all things he’s used to seeing in different parts of the world, but the scale of the problem in Ukraine is much greater.
In frontline regions of Ukraine, children are also taking part in UNICEF-supported mobile safety classes to learn about what to do when they’ve discovered an explosive object or have been trapped under rubble.
