4A Games, the developer behind the Metro series, has revealed that the upcoming Metro game will feature a narrative that is “even darker” than its predecessors, influenced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In a recent blog post commemorating the 15th anniversary of the franchise, 4A Games reflected on how the events of 2022 reshaped their storytelling approach. The invasion deeply affected many team members, prompting the incorporation of personal experiences into the game’s narrative. This has led to a focus on themes such as conflict, the struggle for power, the horrors of tyranny, and the cost of freedom.

“In 2022 a full-scale russian invasion changed how we wanted to tell the story of the next Metro game. 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.”

Dmitry Glukhovsky, the original creator of the Metro literary series and a vocal opponent of the war, continues to collaborate with 4A Games. His steadfast stance has resulted in his condemnation by Russian authorities.

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.

While no specific release date has been announced, fans can anticipate a game that not only offers a darker storyline but also serves as a reflection on current realities, drawing heavily from the lived experiences of its developers.