Metro: Last Light dev responds to workplace conditions claims

4A Games creative director Andrew Prokhorov has responded to former THQ president Jason Rubin's detailed report that claimed the Ukrainian developer had a limited budget and faced adverse workplace conditions throughout development of Metro: Last Light.

His statement came from the comments section in the original Games Industry International report

Prokhorov pointed out that 4A Games had worked with THQ for 10 years prior to its bankruptcy. He said Rubin was the only company president to visit the studio, doing so during his second week on the job. Prokhorov said he does not blame Rubin for THQ's collapse, saying he had only a few months to "somehow fix the situation."

Regarding the studio's office space--where Rubin said developers worked elbow to elbow and sometimes in freezing temperatures--Prokhorov said it is generally known that much could be improved upon.

"It is a fact that our work conditions are worse than those of other developers outside Ukraine," he said. "I don't think anyone can doubt that--yes, it's true that American and most of European developers operate in a country far more comfortable than Ukraine. And yes, the publishers pay them more. This is clear: the more 'reasonable' the country the less the risks. And we don't want to be all dramatic about that--after all, better conditions are earned, and we strive to do this as soon as possible."

Prokhorov also said new publisher Deep Silver should be forgiven for not including the 4A Games logo on the Metro: Last Light website.

"Jason, please don't blame Deep Silver for not having our logo on the game site," he said. "Just like us, they ended up in a harsh situation and had to do a lot of things in two months, which was definitely a very hard task. I don't blame them for letting the logo thing slip. They are trying hard."

Regarding multiplayer, Prokhorov said the team at 4A Games wanted to make this mode, but only gave a cryptic answer for the reason it was canceled last year.

"We did want to make a multiplayer. Though if it was excluded from the start, a lot of precious time wouldn't be wasted and we'd make an even better single," he said.

Overall, Prokhorov said 4A Games is not looking for sympathy.

"We deserve the ratings we get," Prokhorov added. "After all, the final consumer doesn't care about our conditions. And this is right. We need no indulgence."

Metro: Last Light launched this week for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC and was published by Deep Silver, which acquired the franchise from THQ in January for $5.8 million. For more, check out GameSpot's review.