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First, Konami and Hideo Kojima claimed that Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots would be the final entry in the critically acclaimed series. Kojima confirmed it again at last year's E3, but since then, rumors of another MGS installment have sprouted up all over the Internet. And now, we've gotten a huge clarification that all fans need to hear.

According to associate producer Ryan Payton, MGS4 is simply the last chapter of the Solid Snake story. This most certainly doesn't mean the Metal Gear Solid name is finished. (source- MTV Multiplayer) His comment is clear and very encouraging for avid followers of the stealth pioneer.

"I think there's been some misconceptions that this is the last 'Metal Gear.' This is really just the last chapter of the saga of the Solid Snake story."

Basically, this means we'll most certainly see another MGS; it just won't feature one of the most recognizable characters in modern gaming history. And while we're dying to hear about a few possibilities, we have a more pressing question: will Kojima and Co. work on this new Snake-less MGS? Kojima has already said he wants to move on to other projects, and with Payton basically confirming that MGS will return... Well, we have to wonder whether the master will return. We can't imagine he'd just let another developer get their grubby mitts on his baby without his involvement.