The last time we heard much from Kojima Productions, it was at the Xbox E3 press conference, where Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain was highlighted as one of many big-name franchises coming to Xbox One. As it turns out, Konami has a second round of news regarding Metal Gear Solid this summer, albeit not quite as glamorous. The company has opened a new Konami studio in Los Angeles studio to work on the Metal Gear Solid series.
The new Konami studio in LA will develop a variety of games, but the most famous of them will be forthcoming installments in the Metal Gear Solid franchise. During an opening ceremony at the new studio, Konami discussed new details about the Metal Gear Solid V experience, which includes Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes, the prologue to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear Solid creator and Director of Kojima Productions, also showed the first live gameplay demo for Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes.
Best known for the development of the Metal Gear Solid franchise, Kojima Productions’ team in Los Angeles “will be instrumental in the continued development of the franchise, particularly with the upcoming release of Metal Gear Solid V,” said Konami in a statement. Hideo Kojima will continue to provide guidance and inspiration to the employees of the Los Angeles studio.
“As gaming takes the world stage as one of the greatest forms of entertainment, it’s only natural for us to expand our operations across the globe,” said Hideo Kojima, Director of Kojima Productions. “And since Los Angeles is ground zero for the best studios, facilities and world-class talent, we are leaning on of these local resources to build an incredible team to create gaming experiences that are just as compelling as any film or television show.”
Konami and Kojima Productions recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Metal Gear Solid franchise. The Metal Gear Solid series has sold more than 35.4 million units to date.
