Warning: this article contains spoilers for the main game and DLCs!
Hello there! We're back with a new episode of the Creating segment. This time, we're delving into the story of one of the most controversial characters in the world of Atomic Heart—Stockhausen.
Michael Stockhausen (real name Goldenzweig) was a German scientist of Jewish origin who worked as a doctor in Berlin during World War II. During the first outbreaks of the Brown Plague, he survived the horrors running rampant in Berlin and was rescued by Soviet troops. Stockhausen managed to survive thanks to the help of the Soviet troops and the bold decision to change his name using forged documents. Previously known for his phenomenal memory, he was truly unique in his field. However, the disease changed him forever, depriving him of this ability.
Nevertheless, retaining his keen intellect and cunning, Stockhausen rose to the top of the career ladder, demonstrating his abilities in management and scheming. Being among the Facility's employees from the German Soviet Socialist Republic quota, he became one of the most important members of the Kollektiv, earning Sechenov's respect. He was awarded the Facility 3826's badge of distinction for his contribution to the popularization of science; however, Stockhausen hides the true motives behind his actions, which are not always clear-cut.
His image is particularly inspired by the parrot Iago from Aladdin—a sly character who is ready to switch sides to suit his own interests. He always demonstrates dexterity and flexibility in achieving his objectives.
Since Stockhausen was not added to the story in the early stages of development, the team didn't have to carry out any iterations on his appearance. From the beginning, it was decided that he would dress like a typical bureaucrat.
However, his character didn't always match his final image—there were talks of making him less serious. For example, at the very beginning of the game on Chelomey, there was a planned dialogue between Stockhausen and a reporter about his experience of whaling and how exactly his activities became the starting point for research that preceded the launch of the Kollektiv. And since Michael had difficulty speaking Russian in this dialogue, the reporter didn't understand what Stock was talking about, which forced him to switch to Sechenov's speech, adding humor to the situation.
Also, according to one of the original story lines, in the Hospital, located above the Pavlov Complex, P-3 encountered terrifying mutants. Although they were blind, they possessed terrible strength. Nechaev remained in contact with Stockhausen, who made calls to distract the monsters. Meanwhile, Michael alternated between eating a sandwich and being more afraid of the situation than P-3 himself, attracting the mutants' attention and causing a disturbance. However, according to the further unused scenario, after the events in the Theater, Michael began to wonder whether launching the Kollektiv could indeed be dangerous. As Sechenov's main assistant in this endeavor, in Pavlov, Stockhausen sought solace in alcohol and complained to P-3 about his fate. By that time, Nechaev began to display a more friendly attitude toward Michael, and even a friendship began to develop between them. The climax was supposed to be a scene where Stockhausen revealed his cards to Viktor, framing him, and scheming to conquer Larisa Filatova.
Later, a decision was made to move away from the comedic approach in favor of a more serious portrayal of the character. As a result, a rather contradictory but very interesting anti-hero was created, whose storyline led to an unexpected outcome. After the explosion orchestrated by Larisa, Stock dies. However, in the scene with the Twins after the inspection, we see Sechenov using the Jelly Man to absorb the consciousness of the deceased Molotov into the array. Can we conclude, based on what we see of Stock's body, that he suffered the same fate as the latter?
According to the results of an Atomic Survey conducted among the players, Stockhausen failed to take one of the top positions among their favorite characters. But judging by the community's reaction, which never ceases to express its love for him, one cannot but begin to doubt those results.