Dmitry Glukhovsky wrote the initial Metro 2033 book back in 2002. It is based around the Moscow Metro, which has become the only somewhat safe place for humanity following a nuclear fallout. The book series proved to be more of a cult classic than a smash hit. However, it proved influential enough to have its own video game adaptation, also titled Metro 2033, created in 2010. Both the Metro book series and the game franchise follow Artyom, a young man who eventually becomes a hardened Ranger in the horrors of the post-apocalyptic world.While Glukhovsky himself is Russian, the Metro games are developed by Ukranian studio 4A Games. With the war between Russia and Ukraine ongoing, Glukhovsky has come out against the invasion, condemning the act of his home country's army online. While the Metro author is currently living outside of the country, it seems this has not given him utter safety from the eyes of the Russian government, as he has recently been added to the country's wanted list. Glukhovsky's addition to the Russian federal wanted list comes as he is accused of discrediting the Russian army. It seems that the Metro author isn't willing to back down on his stance on the war, though, as after confirming that he had been accused of discrediting the army via his Instagram account, Glukhovsky stated "I am ready to reiterate again what I said before: 'Stop the War!'"
Across Russia, many media outlets have been informed that the conflict in Ukraine cannot be referred to as a war or invasion, so by even calling for the war to be stopped Glukhovsky has likely alerted Russian authorities. If Glukhovsky is convicted of the offense, he could face up to ten years in prison for discrediting the army and spreading "deliberately false information." Glukhovsky stopped writing Metro books with the release of Metro 2035 in 2015. Since the end of the book series and before critiquing the war, he supported the campaign of Putin's aforementioned political opponent Aleksei Navalny.
The Metro games last saw a new release in 2019, with Metro Exodus. While the initial game, Metro 2033, stayed mostly true to the plot and themes of the book of the same name, Metro: Last Light diverted from the plot of Metro 2034, signaling where the Metro games and books parted ways. Currently, it is unknown if the Metro franchise of games will have a new entry.
Metro Exodus is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: Radio Free Europe