The newly formed Kojima Productions is proud to announce that Metal Gear Solid 4 is currently in development for the PLAYSTATION®3 ( PS3 ) next-generation computer entertainment system from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. ( SCEI ). Hideo Kojima’s masterpiece, the Metal Gear Solid (MGS) series, is highly acclaimed worldwide, with its breathtaking graphics, profound stories, intricate human drama, original game design and superlative gameplay. Also under development are two other exciting games in the Metal Gear series -- Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Metal Gear Ac!d 2 for the PlayStation®Portable (PSP) handheld entertainment system.

“Hideo Kojima’s creations are world-renowned for their incredible high quality,” said Kazumi Kitaue, Executive Corporate Officer in charge of America and Europe at Konami Corporation. “Konami Corporation constructed Kojima Productions in order to further promote his creativity. Konami will continue to develop new and exciting game content in order to offer innovative, interactive entertainment for the next generation of game consoles. Fans from all over the world will have their eyes focused on the new adventures Hideo Kojima is creating in MGS4.”

From infiltrating enemy compounds and man-made structures in MGS and MGS2, to the challenges of the jungle environment in MGS3, MGS4 brings a totally new concept and situation, resulting in the toughest Metal Gear infiltration mission ever devised. The game is set after the events of MGS2 and players will reprise the role of top secret agent Solid Snake with appearances by characters throughout the MGS series. With the addition of online capability, MGS4 is a leading product for “PS3” and will signal the dawn of a new gaming era for the MGS series.

“Consolidation within the Konami Corporation has brought about a new evolution for the Japan West Team,” said Hideo Kojima, Corporate Officer at Konami Corporation. “We will be making a fresh new start as ‘Kojima Productions.’ We will emphasize creativity and deliver extremely high quality productions. I believe that creating games that maximize entertainment value is essential to the growth of the video game industry. We hope you will look forward to Metal Gear Solid 4 as the first of many new endeavors from Kojima Productions.”

Kojima Productions combines the strengths of producer/director Hideo Kojima, producer Kenichiro Imaizumi, director Shuyo Murata, and character designer Yoji Shinkawa. Kojima Productions will concentrate its efforts and experience to take full advantage of the hardware capabilities of SCEI’s next-generation console, infusing the world of Metal Gear Solid with completely new game designs