Twitter has been a buzz with dev’s and industry people alike claiming that Konami LA Studios has been shut down. This unfortunately comes to no surprise considering what a shamble the delayed launch and inevitable lack luster embrace gamers gave MGO3.
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 (@georgeb3dr) 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
Talk about horrible timing though. Our condolences go out to all that are were effected.
Update via Kotaku: Here’s the full statement from Konami’s spokesperson:
KONAMI has made the decision to close its Los Angeles Studio, effective immediately, due to the product development resources being restructured into a more centralized unit. This facility contributed to the recent METAL GEAR SOLID games. KONAMI will continue its operations to support all METAL GEAR SOLID titles, including the recently launched METAL GEAR SOLID V: The Phanton Pain and METAL GEAR ONLINE. METAL GEAR ONLINE is still scheduled to release for PC Steam in January 2016.
Sources close to the situation all but confirm Konami closes LA Studio [ UPDATE ]