THQ "a little too late" to capitalise on "bonafide hit" Metro 2033

THQ won't make the same mistake twice, Metro franchise communications head Huw Beynon has said; the publisher is now taking 4A Games' post-apocalyptic series very seriously.

"I think we said last time around, on Metro 2033, that THQ came to realise a little too late, that it had this unpolished gem on its hands," Beynon told Ausgamers

"And for whatever reason, that meant that the first game didn’t quite get the production support from THQ that could have raised the polish and quality level a little bit. It obviously didn’t get the lasting support at the same time, but despite that, it went on to become a significant success - it’s referred to as a cult-hit still. But we sailed past a million sales on PC alone, so I think we can stop calling it that, and actually call it a bonafide hit."

Whatever made THQ overlook the first game's potential, it's changed it mind for sequel Metro: Last Light.

"This time around, they were aware of what the potential could be, so we’ve seen that extra support, both in terms of focus from them in assisting production - generously giving the studio a little more time to get the quality that we needed," Beynon noted.

"Given THQ’s situation, that was obviously a big decision, but I think one that’s going to pay off."

The publisher's marketing muscle has been helpful, too; Beynon said a live-action trailer put together by THQ had been "hugely important" as it has "catapulted the game back into the public consciousness".

Metro: Last Light arrives on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in early 2013.