In a recent Embracer Group investor call, it was unveiled that Metro Exodus, the gripping semi-open-world post-apocalyptic game released in 2019, has achieved remarkable sales of 8.5 million units and captivated over 10 million players since its launch. This achievement marks an all-time high for the franchise, leaving fans curious about what lies ahead for Metro.
The Metro trilogy made its debut in 2010 with Metro 2033, based on Dmitry Glukhovsky’s 2002 online novel of the same name. It was with Exodus that the franchise reached its pinnacle, and even today, it continues to enjoy strong sales. But what does the future hold for Metro and its developer, 4A Games?
Metro’s Journey Through the Apocalypse
Metro’s destiny as a franchise seemed uncertain when publisher THQ filed for bankruptcy in 2012, just a year before the release of the second game in the series. Fortunately, Deep Silver stepped in to acquire the series, and since the release of Last Light in 2013, the franchise has steadily improved.
Exodus, developed by 4A Games, arrived in 2019 after an extensive development period. It achieved commercial success and, according to the Embracer Group, it continues to thrive. Between January and March 2023, Metro Exodus shipped an additional 500,000 units, largely driven by discounts and promotional offers.
Looking Beyond Metro Exodus
With Metro Exodus having completed its lifecycle and delivered all its expansions, fans eagerly await news about the future of the franchise. In February 2023, an exclusive report revealed that 4A Games’ next Metro title had reached a playable state, marking a significant milestone in its development.
Expected to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, potentially in 2024, the upcoming Metro installment promises to deliver the beloved Metro gameplay within a much larger and entirely new world. Traditionally, Metro games feature multiple endings, with 4A Games choosing a canonical ending to continue the story in sequels.
Spoilers Ahead
At the conclusion of Metro Exodus, the protagonist, Artyom, discovers a radiation-free sanctuary in the post-apocalyptic Russian wasteland, where he and his companions plan to establish a settlement to aid others. This setting could serve as the foundation for the next game, potentially offering a fully open-world adventure and introducing online features for the first time in the franchise.
The sequel to Metro Exodus may be unveiled in the near future, and based on the available information and speculations, it has the potential to rival other post-apocalyptic titles like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Fallout for the crown of the genre. Fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the Metro saga, where they will once again navigate a world devastated by catastrophe.
