Metro: Last Light will no longer release with a multiplayer component, developer 4A Games announced via their website.
Previously, a small team had been assigned to work on multiplayer prototypes. Post E3, the company decided to reclaim the multiplayer team and instead focus completely on the game's single-player campaign.
"We are gamers at the studio and really wanted to bring the world of Metro to life in a multiplayer environment," the team said. "It was a decision made by us at 4A from the outset and THQ have since been supportive every step of the way, including our decision to put multiplayer on hold. In hindsight, it was probably a mistake to announce it when we did."
4A went on to say that multiplayer is not a complete lost cause, but a project they could potentially return to after the game ships.
The decision to cut multiplayer will not affect the game's 2013 release date.