Hideo Kojima has finally cleared up speculation surrounding Metal Gear Solid 4 and its protagonist after speaking to a crowded Konami game showcase audience recently. Mr. Kojima revealed that the latest Metal Gear Solid game would indeed be the "final episode" for Solid Snake
With high expectations of himself as well as from the gaming community, Mr. Kojima finally will get the chance to take a sigh of relief as he explained, "Designing [Metal Gear Solid 4 and Metal Gear Online] was quite a task, and I’m relieved for the moment," he said to the crowd. As part of his speech, he let fans of the series know that MGS4 represented the "grand finale" for the 20-year old series, as well as the "final episode of the Solid Snake saga" and "Snake’s final mission.”
Those that have followed Mr. Kojima’s words in the past know that this does not necessarily mean the end for the Metal Gear franchise, but could mean the end of the line for our hero Solid Snake.
To make sure that all those in attendance understood him and that there would be nothing lost in translation Mr. Kojima even recited his speech for the audience, reiterating that this would be the final chapter for Solid Snake.
Kojima appeared extremely proud of the fact that MGS4 will be the first Metal Gear game to enjoy a simultaneous worldwide launch in the U.S., Japan, and Europe. "I hope your time with Solid Snake has been precious," he said.