Article: Dmitry Glukhovsky On Metro 2033

Dmitry Glukhovsky’s debut novel, Metro 2033, has become a smash hit in Russia selling 500,000 copies and drawing more than 2 million online readers. The THQ videogame adaptation will be a global release, cementing Metro 2033 as an international brand, with interest from Hollywood producers and studios.  Just 5 years ago things didn’t look as bright.

Dmitry Glukhovsky recalls his early days with the project ” Back in 2002, when I finished the first draft of Metro 2033, every single publisher I turned to declined the manuscript.  The only explanation I got from them was “It’s not the right format”.  Then I decided to publish the manuscript myself.  I created a website and put the entire text of the novel on it which was available for free.  In 2004, I decided to continue the book.  I was publishing new chapters as soon as they were ready.  My readers gave me enthusiastic feedback and criticism.  I took their opinions into account and corrected the novel myself.  Metro 2033 was born as an interactive, internet text.”

Since 2005, when the final version was published on the novel’s official website, the full text is still available online as open access.  This has never prevented the book from becoming a bestseller and Dmitry is adding a follow up to the story even today.

Dmitry follows up “I have put all of my books, starting with Metro 2033, online and for free.  I have also invited talented musicians and artists to co-create with me to transform the websites of these novels into multimedia art projects.  Most authors today are afraid that internet piracy can harm their sales.  I say: It works in the opposite way.  Don’t be greedy, let those who can’t afford your book read it for free.  In the long term, you’ll be the winner.  Provided your book really is interesting.”

The UK edition of the book, Metro 2033, comes out at the same time as the game on March 18th.  Priced at a reasonable £14.99 is is definitely an interesting and engaging read.

Dmitry comments on his views of the game. ” For me, getting my book turned into such a brilliant game is as big an honour for me as having it screened.  The developers managed to preserve the most important things from the book: the spirit, the atmosphere, the emotions, the characters, the story and the philosophy.  Generally, I think, turning books into games is a great idea: it could lure teenagers and other audiences that just do not read in principle and have never read books to read the original story.  I say, go and make a videogame based on “Crime And Punishment”.

The game has been closely overseen by Dmitry to make sure the developers 4A games got the essence of and emotion of the original story and has commented that he is really happy with the outcome.  Post apocalyptic themes have been heavy in the media to date but Metro 2033 takes a fresh approach on the subject in the book and the game.

Dmitry comments “You must be so used to – and bored – by another post-apocalyptic movie or game every other month.  But, probably, for the first time, you’re getting a chance to see what’s happening on the other side of this war (presumably between the West and the East) that wipes out the mankind and destroys the world.  It’s the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust seen by Russians.  With the recent missile defense disputes and a possible new Cold war between Russia and the West, the book doesn’t look that much of a sci-fi does it?”

Dmitry’s story focusses on his time travelling on the Moscow Metro system and the facts that he discovered about the system being the biggest nuclear bunker in the world.

Dmitry tells of his school days and how the Metro system works. “I can call the Moscow Metro my home.  As a kid, I used to spend two hours in the subway each day, getting from home to school and back.  Some 3,500 hours during my school years.  The very idea of Metro 2033 came to me when I learned that Moscow subway was engineered as the world’s biggest nuclear shelter.  That it has connection to the secret governmental Metro-2.  That it has hidden doors to some military bunkers.  The I just put my imagination to work … And I am still surprised how far it has got me.”

Dmitry Glukhovsky takes his story from strength to strength and now encourages amateur writers to submit their Metro stories from all around the world which he helps publish.  Along with PR for the game he is in negotiations with studio executives to try and also bring the story to the big screen.

The book and game will be available on March 18th and the game will be released on 360 and PC )if you have the necessary hardware you will be able to play it in 3D).

To see what mature-gaming.com thought of the game please read our hands on preview here.