Metal Gear Online is a dedicated online title released with Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, an exclusive title for PS3, which took the market by storm on its release in June. Featuring characters, weaponry and levels taken from and inspired by Metal Gear Solid 4, Metal Gear Online allows up to 16 people to play simultaneously. The online game retains the famed stealth combat gameplay of the Metal Gear series, players are dropped in a series of war zones wherein different challenges await.

Konami has announced the launch of the "Welcome Rookie" Campaign to attract new members to the exciting online phenomenon. The campaign will reward all fans who register the Metal Gear Online retail version between December 24, 2008 and February 16, 2009 with special MGO Codec Pack, that includes special voice content, and 5,000 additional reward points that can be redeemed in the MGO in-game shop to purchase items that can be used in the game. The exclusive Welcome Rookie Campaign is only open to players who have not previously installed and registered the retail version of Metal Gear Online on their PS3. Some of the game items that can be purchased from the MGO shop are only available to those who have purchased the Metal Gear Online Expansion Packs.

The Welcome Rookie Campaign will be available to new registered members until Feb 16th, 2009. Prize distribution will occur after February 17th. The Metal Gear Online free demo service can be downloaded now thru January 29th on the PlayStation Network.