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Deep Silver pooh-pooh Metro series ‘accessibility’ worries; have “absolutely no intention of compromising Metro’s unique DNA”

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Deep Silver CEO and apparent Bond villain Dr Klemens Kundratitz was asked about the Metro series last week, and managed to evoke hope and concern in such close proximity as to help even Red Dwarf’s Kryten master that most complex of human emotions: ambivalence.

“Our ambition is to absolutely continue with that brand,” he said. “And we will also, in the next phase, look to making it more accessible for a broader gamer audience.”

Hooraaargh, said the internet. Thankfully, Deep Silver have since released a soothing balm in the form of a clearing-things-up statement. It’s also good because our Steve likes it just the way it is now in his Metro: Last Light review.

“Fans of Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light have been justifiably concerned by a story that surfaced at gamescom last week, and we wanted to set the record straight,” wrote Deep Silver brand manager Huw Beynon.

“Some media and fans have interpreted this to mean that Deep Silver will somehow seek to dilute Metro’s core gameplay values, ‘dumbing down’ the game in a bid to woo a wider, more ‘casual’ audience.

“We understand the concern, and we would like to reassure the Metro fanbase that Deep Silver has absolutely no intention of compromising Metro’s unique DNA. We completely understand that it is the passion and evangelism of our fans that allowed Metro to grow from a cult hit to genuine, bonafide hit.”

Bonafide, shmonafide – nothing crucial will change at Deep Silver or 4A as a result of Metro: Last Light’s success, said Beynon.

“Whatever direction a new Metro game takes (and we are still assembling the drawing boards), it will build on the bleak, post apocalyptic pillars of atmosphere, immersion, challenge and depth that sets this franchise apart from the crowd.”

The accessibility for a broader audience, then, will come via a new commitment to polish, “greater strategic investment in the brand” – which I think means more posters at bus stops – and right now, the release of Metro: Last Light for Mac and Linux.

“Metro is a pulsating, radioactive gem in Deep Silver’s crown of rotting zombie flesh,” concluded Beynon, disgustingly. “And we believe we can build on the success of Metro: Last Light by doubling down on our unique brand of bleak, Russian, post apocalyptic horror.”

I think Deep Silver are the first to say ‘broader gamer audience’ and mean ‘Linux’, aren’t they?