It seems the studio behind Metal Gear Solid Online has closed, with over 20 jobs lost in the process.
It was reported on twitter by 3D Realms developer George Broussard that the LA Studio of Konami had closed and jobs where lost. This was later posted by more people in the industry and confirmed by sources close to Eurogamer.
BREAKING: Rumor tells me that Konami has shut down the Kojima Productions LA studio, taking with it approx 35 jobs, just before Xmas.
— George Broussard (@georgebsocial) November 3, 2015
Really sad news about the loss of Konami’s Los Angeles studio. Happy thoughts to all those affected. End of an era for sure, stay strong.
— Venice Beach Gandalf (@PortableKingpin) November 2, 2015
Konami LA was formed as a branch of Kojima Productions and was built to aid in the development of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. It was most noted for the online component, Metal Gear Solid Online.
There has been a lot of rumors about is going on at Konami beyond Pro Evolution Soccer. With he recent removal of Kojima from Metal Gear Solid 5 promotional material along with the cancelation of the Guillermo del Toro collaboration, Silent Hills, Konami has been on a transitional path. They seem to be moving away from AAA development, focusing more on the mobile market.
As with any studio closer, we wish anyone effected the best, and hope they find jobs in the industry quickly, with minimal issue. We will update the story when we hear more.
