Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain releasing this September, but due to recent events some have been concerned about the series’ future. In response, Konami have issued a statement on their official website, saying that the series will continue after MGSV, and that they’re currently hiring staff for a new Metal Gear series.
Earlier today, Polygon reported that Konami have removed the Kojima Productions branding from their Metal Gear Solid website, as well as the references to series creator Hideo Kojima. Konami have also renamed their Kojima Productions Los Angeles to Konami Los Angeles Studio.
Alongside the above, the recent announcement of new executive positions at Konami (which no longer include Kojima) have been adding fuel to the fire.
Meanwhile, citing an “inside source,” GameSpot are reporting that Hideo Kojima, along with upper management, is expected to leave Konami after Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. The source claims that his contract with Konami is expected to terminate in December.
While Konami have yet to make an official announcement regarding their situation with the longtime series producer, director, writer, and designer, they have announced a statement regarding the future of the Metal Gear Solid series on their Japanese website. It reads:
“Konami will continue to produce and offer more from the Metal Gear series after Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain,” the company states. “Please continue your support and patronage of the Metal Gear series.
“Furthermore, we, at Konami, have decided to commence production of a new Metal Gear series. In regard to the production, we will begin an audition to recruit essential staff members.”
Update: Konami have published an English-language version of their statement. While the Japanese statement says Konami will begin producing a new Metal Gear “series,” the English statement states: “As the next step in the series, Konami has already resolved to develop a new Metal Gear title.” It’s a slight difference, but the Japanese statement implies the start of a new Metal Gear series, whereas the English statement simply implies the next game. Since Konami’s head office is in Japan, though, one would assume the original Japanese statement is the one that holds more credibility.
The official website also has a new staff recruitment page for a new Metal Gear, and list some of the requirements Konami are looking for:
Qualifications:
- Experience in high-end game production and planning.
- Someone with the ability to come up with fresh and rich ideas.
- Strong passion for making games.
- Strong communication skills to effectively share ideas.
Hideo Kojima himself has yet to comment upon his relationship with Konami, but the fact that they are currently recruiting key staff for a brand new Metal Gear series is interesting, to say the least.
Metal Gear Solid V will release for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One on September 1, 2015. A PC release is scheduled for September 15th.
