Metro 2033 Writer Added to Russia’s Wanted List for Speaking out Against War [IGN]

Dmitry Glukhovsky, best known for writing the novel-turned-game Metro 2033, has been added to Russia’s wanted list for speaking out against the war, according to Reuters.

Russia has accused him of “of spreading false information about its military intervention in Ukraine,” after the author criticized the invasion of Ukraine.

On Instagram, Glukhovsky wrote, “Stop the war! Admit that this is a war against an entire nation and stop it!” After his post, which he has said he stands by, Russia’s Interior Ministry website listed him “as wanted under an unspecified article of the criminal code,” Reuters reports.

Glukhovsky, who also wrote the novel that inspired the game Metro Exodus, is the first big-name cultural figure to be targeted by the law that went into effect in late February. But there have been a number of journalists and other well-known figures who’ve opposed Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine. Those who have outwardly opposed Russia face up to 15 years in jail for purposefully spreading “fake” news about Russia.

Glukhovsky, like many, has been outspoken regarding Moscow’s military campaign. Earlier this year, companies like Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, and Netflix halted sales and services in Russia in support of Ukraine. To combat that, Russia has legalized piracy.

In March, Humble Bundle raised over $20 million dollars via a new game bundle. The bundle contained 120 plus games worth over $2500. Full proceeds of the bundle went straight to Ukraine humanitarian groups like the International Rescue Committee and Direct Relief.

Be sure to check out Rebekah Valentine’s report on how Ukrainian game developers and event organizers have preserved during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Casey is a freelance writer for IGN. You can usually find him talking about JRPGs on Twitter at @caseydavidmt.