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Konami has shut down its Metal Gear Online studio in Los Angeles, according to a report.
Sources “close to the matter” have confirmed to Eurogamer of the developer’s closure. 3D Realms co-founder George Broussard also tweeted that the LA branch had been shut down.
More than 20 jobs are said to be affected, though the number could be as high as 35. Staff were notified of the office’s closure yesterday.
Work on Metal Gear Online is thought to have been moved to Konami’s Japanese studio ahead of the release of The Phantom Pain.
Originally named Kojima Productions LA, the office was opened in September 2012. A few days later it was confirmed that the studio would be working on Metal Gear Online.
The studio’s closure comes amidst months of turmoil at the Metal Gear developer. Back in March it emerged that a power struggle between Kojima Productions and Konami could result in the departures of Metal Gear series creator Hideo Kojima and other senior staff.
Those same employees were said to have restricted access to corporate internet, emails and phones, and key developers were thought to have limited opportunities to promote the game.
Despite plans to hire a new team for the future of Metal Gear, it was later claimed that Konami formed a complete U-turn on those plans, and now aims to leave console game development, bar Pro Evolution Soccer, altogether.
Last month it emerged that a farewell party was held for Hideo Kojima following the development and release of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Konami has denied this, however.
