Development of the multiplayer component of Metro: Last Light has been shelved for now, 4A Games has announced.

The small group that had been prototyping the game’s multiplayer mode will be integrated back into the singleplayer campaign team.

“Your response to our E3 demo made it very clear that although there was a lot of interest and intrigue around Metro’s multiplayer, the single player campaign is what the fanbase cares about the most," said 4A.

“Fortunately, we never dedicated too many resources to the MP component beyond prototyping – it never entered full production. By making the decision when we did, we think the single player campaign will benefit as a result.”

The decision to create a multiplayer mode for Metro was made when the game was greenlit by publisher THQ, however 4A acknowledged that “In hindsight, it was probably a mistake to announce it when we did”.

However, the studio did not rule out returning to multiplayer in the future, hinting that the mode may be offered as DLC.

“Right now we’re 100% focused on the single player campaign and not thinking beyond that,” it said.

“We don’t like throwing away work though, it’s a project we could potentially return to after Metro: Last Light ships.”

Metro: Last Light is due to release in early 2013 on Windows PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.