Metro: Last Light Multiplayer Removed So Devs Can Focus On Single-Player

In a rare twist of events, the developers behind Metro: Last Light, the sequel to the post-apocalyptic scare-fest Metro: 2033, are doing something opposite of what's been done most times throughout this gen: They're removing a competitive multiplayer component to focus on the single-player content and actually work on making a great game.

Joystiq spotted an entry in a blog post over at the official Metro: Last Light website, where developer 4A Games talks about the multiplayer mode that won't be shipping with the game.

In the post, they state that...

Right now we’re 100% focused on the single player campaign and not thinking beyond that. We don’t like throwing away work though, it’s a project we could potentially return to after Metro: Last Light ships.Fortunately, we never dedicated too many resources to the MP component beyond prototyping – it never entered full production. By making the decision when we did, we think the single player campaign will benefit as a result.

Thank you 4A Games, that was smart.

Focusing on creating a great game without tacked-on features works wonders for the longevity of a game's sales and brand awareness. Could you imagine if Darksiders II shipped with a badly designed arena battle mode or if Sleeping Dogs had a poorly implemented deathmatch mode? Especially if the single-player had many aspects that required additional tweaks and modifications.

It's great that 4A and THQ are getting back to the basics with this decision. If the multiplayer mode arrives as a separate expansion pack, which sounds like a possibility, then that's fine and dandy. As long as the game is finished right the first time out.

In fact, 4A even mentions that multiplayer is something they might return to after the game ships, stating...

Right now we’re 100% focused on the single player campaign and not thinking beyond that. We don’t like throwing away work though, it’s a project we could potentially return to after Metro: Last Light ships.

Well, the first game had great atmosphere, a moving soundtrack and an interesting premise (sort of like an even more atmosphere version of GSC's S.T.A.L.K.E.R.) so it will be interesting to see how 4A leverages the experience for Metro: Last Light and especially since they're focused entirely on providing a griping and riveting single-player experience.

Metro: Last Light is set for release in 2013 for home consoles and PC. You can stay tuned in with the game's progress by visiting the Official Website.

Will Usher

Staff Writer at CinemaBlend.