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Metro Exodus is delayed into 2019, but we can still expect to see new gameplay from this year’s E3.

Contrary to popular (read: angry internet) opinion, when a video game is delayed, it’s never done lightly.

If a developer has to tell a publisher a game isn’t ready, they’re effecting telling them it’s going to cost more money. They might also be admitting they cocked up their scoping and estimates. It’s not an easy conversation to have: more development time means more staffing costs, means more money.

If the bean counters accept that the developer is right – which not all do, and insist upon rushed schedules, cut corners, and the dreaded crunch – and that delaying the release is the right thing to do, they’re effectively increasing their costs (and likely, eating into profits as a result) to make sure that players get the best game possible.

Keep that in mind when you read the following statement, then, released today by developer 4A Games and publisher Deep Silver, with regards to the progress of Metro Exodus:

The development of Metro Exodus is progressing well; we are all really excited by what we are seeing. We have been constantly reviewing the games progress to ensure that we deliver a product that gamers and fans of the Metro series want and deserve, as well as keeping an eye on announcements from our competitor products. We want everyone to be able to experience what is the most ambitious Metro game to date at its absolute best and therefore we have taken the decision to move the release date to Q1 2019.

Again, contrary to popular opinion, delays aren’t always a bad thing. They’re a very difficult decision to make, but they should mean consumers receive a better game when it does eventually release, and with Metro Exodus looking so promising? We’d rather they delayed it to get it right.

But fear not, it’s not all quiet on the eastern front: Deep Silver will still be showing off Metro Exodus at this year’s E3, including new gameplay and new environments. Watch this space for more in the middle of June.


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