4A Games

4A Games is a Ukrainian-Maltese AAA game developer known for atmospheric, story-driven first-person shooters and the Metro series. Founded in Kyiv by former GSC Game World programmers and designers, the studio was created to build immersive action experiences supported by its own technology rather than licensed third-party engines.

The team develops with the proprietary 4A Engine, a C++ technology platform designed for detailed worldbuilding, dynamic physics, audio simulation, volumetric lighting and advanced real-time rendering. Its production capabilities span full-cycle game development, including pre-production, art, animation, audio, programming, quality assurance, engine research and development, virtual-reality development, post-launch expansions, and cross-platform remastering and porting.

Games and technology

The studio's work includes the post-apocalyptic Metro 2033, Metro: Last Light, Metro Redux and Metro Exodus, as well as the Oculus VR title Arktika.1. It also developed Metro Exodus expansions The Two Colonels and Sam's Story. The 2021 Metro Exodus PC Enhanced Edition used fully ray-traced global illumination rather than rasterised lighting.

4A Games is developing the next mainline entry, Metro 2039, alongside an unannounced AAA new intellectual-property project. The studio announced Metro 2039 in April 2026 and presented a playable hands-on showcase at Gamescom in August 2026.

Company history

The original studio was established in Kyiv in 2005/2006. In 2014, the business restructured as 4A Games Limited in Malta, relocating its corporate headquarters and part of its development team while continuing production and engineering work in Kyiv. The company was acquired by Embracer Group in 2020 through Saber Interactive; Embracer retained 4A Games following the 2024 Saber divestment and assigned it to the Fellowship Entertainment operating group.

4A Games remains active as a game-development studio for PC, console and virtual-reality platforms.