In a blog post commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Metro franchise, 4A Games has spoken about the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the war that continues in the studio’s home nation. In 2022, it issued a similar statement, and once again, the developer speaks about how real-world events have impacted the next Metro’s development.

In a nutshell, you can expect “an even darker story” that focuses on the series’ staple “hard-hitting, political, anti-war” harder than ever before. And yes, Metro author Dmitry Glukhovsky is still deeply involved, as previously confirmed.

“As we said in our last studio update, in 2022, a full-scale Russian invasion changed how we wanted to tell the story of the next Metro game,” 4A Games’ message reads. “As art became life for many of our developers in Ukraine, we drew from that lived experience to create an even darker story, those themes already present in Metro becoming ever-more apparent and important.

“As conflict, the struggle for power, the horrors of tyranny, and the price of freedom have become part of our lives over the past 3+ years, we are still living and working during this wartime, and that inevitably shapes the games we make.

“Metro has always had a hard-hitting, political, anti-war and often emotional story – and you can be sure these themes will continue thanks to our ongoing collaboration with franchise creator, author, and activist Dmitry Glukhovsky.

“Dmitry has always spoken out against the war in Ukraine from the start – a courageous decision for any Russian that has seen him sentenced to jail (in absentia) – and we are proud to have him as a friend and co-creator as we tell this next, and never more relevant chapter of Metro together.

“Rest assured, you are in for quite the ride.”

When exactly we can expect the next Metro to be announced remains to be seen, but it’s safe to say that there will be plenty of excitement surrounding the game. Metro Exodus, which is available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, has sold over 10 million units worldwide. A VR prequel, Metro Awakening, from Vertigo Games also launched last November.

Metro developer 4A Games has since stated, “We are 4A Games. We are the team that created and built the Metro games you know and love. We’re still making the next Metro with Dmitry Glukhovsky, the same core founders, leadership, developers, and nearly 20 years of experience on the series. We also have our other new IP project in the works. We’ll reveal more about both when we’re ready.”

4A Games is Ukraine-based, with studios in Kyiv and Sliema. While there are remote workers and developers in Malta, about 150 of its 200+ team members reside in Ukraine.

“In 2014, we, led by the original ‘four A’s’ – the founders of 4A Games – formed ‘4A Games Limited’ and created a new HQ in Malta with roughly 50 of our fellow team members. We have since grown and work to this day on Metro under contract with Deep Silver and Plaion.”

It revealed a close working relationship with 4A Games Ukraine, who also assisted with Metro Exodus. After the title and its DLC were released, 4A Games formed another studio in Kyiv with “roughly” 50 more developers. Meanwhile, 4A Games Ukraine sought to pursue La Quimera as a “completely separate entity,” which it renamed to Reburn.

“We wish them every success,” said 4A Games. However, it assured fans, “The 4A Games you know and love have not changed, and we are not rebranding. We are the same developers of Metro that brought you Metro 2033, Metro: Last Light, Metro Redux, and Metro Exodus.” The developer is looking forward to the 15th anniversary of Metro 2033 later this month and showcasing what it’s been working on at a “later date.”

La Quimera is in development for PC, though it doesn’t have a release date. As for the next Metro game, Deep Silver assured in February 2024 that its development will continue. Stay tuned for updates in the coming months.

In a release published on its website, Embracer announced that 4A Games and Zen Studios will remain under its ownership, and also confirmed that the former currently has two unannounced AAA titles in development. One of these is confirmed to be the next mainline instalment in the Metro franchise.

“We are satisfied with the conclusion of this transaction and very glad to see the great teams and assets of 4A Games and Zen Studios remain within Embracer,” said Embracer Group CEO Lars Wingefors. “They will be important building blocks in our continued journey. 4A Games has currently two AAA titles under development that we eagerly await to announce.”

Wingefors also went on to congratulate Saber Interactive on the recent successful launch of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, which surpassed 2 million players on all platforms shortly after its global release.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Matthew Karch for his contributions over the years, and at the same time congratulate the Saber team on the successful release of the iconic Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, that will make a great start in their new structure,” he said.

As for 4A Games’ next Metro title or its second unannounced AAA project, it remains to be seen when either will be announced. Earlier this year, publisher Deep Silver provided a brief update on the former, confirming that development on the game was continuing at 4A Games.

At the same time, however, it was also clear that the single player first person shooters that had once been the genre’s lifeblood were dying out. Multiplayer was growing in popularity at a rapid rate, and with the likes of Call of Duty, Halo, and Battlefield eating up an increasingly larger share for the market, it felt like there was no room anymore for narrative-driven single player first-person shooters. Or, well, that’s what the majority of us thought, at any rate, because in 2010, along came Ukrainian studio 4A Games’ debut project, Metro 2033, to prove us all wrong.

Developed by a team of former GSC Game World staff that had previously worked on the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, Metro 2033 was based on a novel of the same name by Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky, telling the story of a group of survivors in a post-nuclear Russia, living in the cracks and shadows of Moscow’s underground Metro system in order to avoid the heavily irradiated surface. Launching for Xbox 360 and PC, Metro 2033 instantly became something of a poster child for the notion that narrative-driven single player first person shooters still very much had a place in the games industry.

Though the game received some criticism for a few of its technical issues, some clunkiness with its combat, and AI-related bugs, by and large, Metro 2033 was received well by critics and audiences alike, and with its excellent post-apocalyptic setting, its horror elements, its grueling survival mechanics, its excellent story and the way it told it, and more, it instantly endeared itself to a sizeable audience. Though it didn’t set the world on fire with its sales the way so many other shooters at the time would do (especially the multiplayer-centric ones), with over 1.5 million units sold, it became clear that the game had been enough of a success to warrant a sequel.

And it didn’t take long for that sequel to arrive. In 2013, around three years on from the launch of Metro 2033, 4A Games put out Metro: Last Light, and with it, the studio chose to head down a path of its own making. Rather than adapting the second Metro book, Metro 2034, 4A Games instead worked with Metro author Dmitry Glukhovsky to write an original, new story that would serve as a direct follow-up to 2033’s bad ending. Thankfully, it was a risk that paid off, because Last Light continued to prove that there was still a place in the games industry for linear, narrative-driven shooters.

By and large, other than choosing to tell its own original story, Metro: Last Light didn’t stray too much from the path that its predecessor laid out, which meant it had a lot of the same strengths, and a lot of the same weaknesses. The game attracted some criticism for issues related to its AI and its technical state, but at the same time, garnered widespread praise for its story and storytelling, its tense atmosphere, and its stellar storytelling. At the same time, it also made relatively smaller improvements to the gameplay, which came together to uplift the combat and stealth in some noticeable ways.

Like its predecessor, Metro: Last Light was a critical and commercial hit, and it was clear to everyone that another sequel would arrive at some point in the future. The wait for the third Metro game, however, turned out to be a much longer one than the wait for the second one had been. By this point, both the series and 4A Games had become known quantities in the AAA space (to say the least), and with expectations higher than ever, the studio started envisioning a much more ambitious experience for the series’ next instalment.

Metro Exodus arrived six years after its predecessor, in 2019, and though it was a long wait, the game proved to be worth it. One of the biggest changes it made was adopting a semi-open world structure, and taking players out of the dank, cramped, underground tunnels that they had spent the majority of their time in in the first two games. In Metro Exodus, Artyom and his crew travelled the remains of post-apocalyptic Russia, hopping from one large, open-ended map to the next, with the game once again telling an original, new story written in collaboration with Glukhovsky. The game definitely swung for the fences- and for the most part, the results were impressive.

Metro Exodus’ larger emphasis on exploration and the optional content it had on offer lent new weight and depth to the experience, while at the same time, the game also continued to deliver a healthy amount of the tense, linear, guided sections that had been the series’ bread and butter over the course of its two previous instalments. It also continued to tell a riveting story, one that benefited from its larger, more expansive worldview, while gameplay elements like combat and stealth also saw further noticeable improvements.

Unsurprisingly, Metro Exodus went on to become the series’ biggest and most successful game yet. As of February this year, the shooter has sold over 10 million units worldwide, which, of course, means the series’ future is assured. In fact, we already have a pretty good idea of what to expect from Metro in the coming months and years. First up is Metro Awakening, a virtual reality FPS being developed by Vertigo Games that will serve as a prequel to Metro 2033, and is promising a more linear, guided experience in vein of the series’ earlier entries.

And of course, there’s more things to look forward to as well. 4A Games has confirmed on a number of occasions that it’s working on the next Metro game for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. In fact, the series’ next instalment was officially confirmed to be in development all the way back in 2020- but, as 4A Games revealed a little over a year ago, the game’s development had (understandably enough) been impacted by the war on Ukraine. Work on the sequel is still continuing, but it should go without saying that 4A Games’ primary focus right now is going to be ensuring the health and safety of its team, rather than finishing the project. What exactly does that mean for when the next Metro game will arrive? We don’t know, but we do know that it’s coming.

Thankfully, the games industry has gotten to a point where the notion that story-driven single player experiences (especially shooters) don’t have much of an audience doesn’t hold much water, and the Metro series has had a significant role to play in that turnaround. Ironically, 4A Games has confirmed that it’s also working on a standalone multiplayer-centric Metro experience, but honestly, as long as the series also continues to put out the narrative-driven solo experiences it’s become known for, a multiplayer spinoff doesn’t really sound like a bad idea. One way or another, there’s a lot of Metro to look forward to in the future, and we couldn’t be more pumped about it.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

For starters, a number of studios that were operating under the Saber Interactive label will be part of Embracer Group’s divestment. That will include 3D Realms, Slipgate Ironworks, New World Interactive, Nimble Giant, Sandbox Strategies, Mad Head Games, Fractured Byte, and Digic. In total, Embracer says its divested assets include 38 ongoing game projects, as well as “certain proprietary engine technology and game tools relating to the divested companies.”

However, a number of studios that were previously operating under Saber are not being divested, and will continue to be owned by Embracer Group. This includes Tuxedo Labs (as well as the ongoing development of Teardown), Demiurge Studios, Beamdog, 34 Big Things, Tripwire Interactive, Snapshot Games, Shiver Entertainment, and Aspyr Media.

Embracer is also retaining control of ownership of 14 projects that were previously under Saber Interactive’s oversight, including two that are being worked on as joint projects with Saber itself.

These 14 projects include 4A Games’ next AAA project (which is presumably the next Metro game), a “previously announced AAA game based on a major license”, an unannounced AAA title that’s currently in the concept stage of production, a new AAA multiplayer shooter based on an IP owned by Embracer, a new AA game based on an Asmodee-owned IP, a new AA game by 34 Big Things based on an IP owned by Embracer, and the entire back catalog and all future upcoming projects by Aspyr Media, Tripwire Interactive (including Killing Floor 3), and Zen Studios.

It’s also been confirmed that Embracer and Saber’s deal includes an option for the latter to acquire Zen Studios and Metro developer 4A Games, though licensing and publishing rights for all existing and future Metro titles will be retained by Embracer Group’s PLAION.

Reports had previously indicated that development of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake would continue at Saber Interactive following the deal’s completion, though that has yet to be officially confirmed.

Embracer Group and Saber Interactive’s deal includes an option for the latter to purchase both 4A Games and Zen Studios (developer of the Zen Pinball series). Due to “commercial reasons”, Embracer and Saber haven’t mentioned the exact price that has been set for both studios, but say that it “reflects at least the studios’ market value and is significantly higher than the current net book value (including goodwill) of USD 81 million (SEK 829 million).” This will be on top of additional “earnout liabilities of approximately USD 31 million (SEK 317 million)”.

Interestingly, however, even if Saber should exercise the option to acquire 4A Games, long-term licensing and publishing rights for all existing and future PC and console Metro games will be retained by Embracer-owned PLAION. Metro publisher Deep Silver was merged into PLAION last year.

Embracer has also retained control and ownership of 4A Games’ next AAA project (which will presumably be the next Metro game).

Meanwhile, another Metro title is also currently in the works, with Vertigo Games developing the VR-exclusive first-person shooter Metro Awakening.

As a sequel to Metro: Last Light, Exodus sees Artyom, Anna and their allies leaving Moscow to search for remnants of humanity onboard the locomotive Aurora. Unlike previous titles, there are missions with large play spaces with collectibles and points of interest. Some crafting is now possible on the go, and completing side missions nets upgrades.

Metro Exodus is available for Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC – check out our review here. 4A Games’ next title, Metro Awakening, is a VR prequel to Metro 2033 and launches this year for PlayStation VR2, Meta Quest 2 and 3, and PC VR headsets. It’s also working on the fourth mainline title, which will be released “when it’s ready.”

Metro Exodus turns 5 years old today, and has now sold over 10 Million copies.

Metro will return in VR with Metro Awakening from @vertigogames in 2024 – and the next mainline Metro from @4AGames…

When it’s ready

Thank you for coming on the journey so far with us. pic.twitter.com/qlOW9du4Jc

— Metro (@MetroVideoGame) February 15, 2024

In a press release sent out to go along with Metro Awakening’s announcement, the publisher has said that separately from the VR title, 4A Games is continuing its work on Metro 4, or whatever the next mainline game ends up being called.

“In addition, development continues separately at 4A Games on the next mainline installment of the Metro series,” the publisher said.

4A Games announced several years ago that it was developing the next Metro game for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. In January last year, the developer spoke about how the game’s development had been impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, confirming that the war had influenced the game and its story, which would continue to carry “a strong political and anti-war message”.

It was also claimed last year that Metro 4 was “fully playable” behind the scenes, and that it was targeting a launch sometime in 2024. It remains to be seen whether that’s still the plan.

The series’ last game, Metro Exodus, is available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, and PC. It has sold 8.5 million units worldwide.

As reported by Kurakasis on Twitter, it’s called Metro Awakening, with an announcement coming “very soon.” The next State of Play is rumored for January 31st/February 1st, so it could very well make an appearance.

4A Games first announced a new single-player title in the series for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC in 2020, later confirming the story to be influenced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Insider Gaming reported in August 2023 that external playtests were “consistently” ongoing for the past year.

It’s possible that Metro Awakening launches this year, with the State of Play announcement revealing the first trailer and release window. However, if it’s a VR title, will it still launch on Xbox Series X/S (assuming this is the same title)? It could be a traditional first-person shooter with a VR mode for the PS5 and PC versions, but we’ll need more details.

4A Games also said it was “actively exploring multiplayer concepts that will offer a new way to experience the world of Metro.” Its plans were unclear, but it’s “committed to more single-player, story-driven experiences in the Metro universe that our fans have come to know and love.”

I can reveal that a new Metro game, which is going to be announced very soon, is a VR game titled

METRO AWAKENING#metro #metrogame #metroawakening pic.twitter.com/xFwpJE0vV5

— Kurakasis (@Kurakasis) January 29, 2024

During its recent quarterly fiscal meeting, Embracer Group announced that Metro Exodus has now sold over 8.5 million units worldwide across all platforms, four years on from its launch. It sold another 500,000 units during 2023’s first quarter (January-March). The game’s player base, meanwhile, has exceeded 10 million players.

Meanwhile, 4A Games is currently also at work on the next instalment in the Metro franchise for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The developer, based partially in Ukraine, has said that the game’s story will be influenced by Russia’s ongoing invasion of the nation. Earlier this year, leaks claimed that the game could be revealed later in 2023, and was targeting a 2024 launch.

4A Games is also developing a standalone Metro multiplayer game, and working on a new first person shooter IP.

Embracer Group $EMBRAC has revealed that #MetroExodus has now sold 8.5 million units to date!

Metro Exodus has been played by more than 10 million people.

The game sold more than 500.000 units last quarter (Jan-Mar 2023).#PS5 #PS4 #Xbox pic.twitter.com/1kfEvvkXXJ

— EmbracerInvestor (@EmbracerInvest) May 24, 2023