Konami has said during its latest financial report (via GearNuke) that Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is still in development, and as a result may not be released until FY3/2016 at the latest.
That puts the stealth-action title out in late 2015, though the Japanese company noted that depending on how long development takes, it could see release as early as late 2014/early 2015.
The Phantom Pain is preceded by a prologue chapter, Ground Zeroes, which is due out on current and next-generation consoles in March. It recently emerged that the game looks slightly better on PlayStation 4 than Xbox One, though these reports have yet to be clarified.
Elsewhere, in a response to controversy surrounding Ground Zeroes’ length, Konami issued this PR statement to fans via Facebook:
"METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES features a non-linear, open world environment that allows players to choose how to approach each mission. Players can use a variety of tactics, from a run and gun action style to true stealth-ops, to accomplish any one single mission, true to the METAL GEAR SOLID series. With freedom to choose multiple paths, by foot or by vehicle, to dynamic enemy engagement, players are sure to find a deep gameplay experience across a central story mode as well as numerous side-ops missions.
Also, METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES offers a number of additional achievements and unlockable platform-exclusive content for considerable replay value in the true cinematic style and ground-breaking graphics quality that has become the hallmark of Kojima Productions.
Similar to a television series, GROUND ZEROES serves as the first act that will bridge the gap between METAL GEAR SOLID PEACEWALKER, serving as the prologue to the highly anticipated METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN, the second part of the METAL GEAR SOLID V Experience.
KONAMI expresses its confidence that METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES represents an overall excellent experience with its expansive gameplay, replay value, as well as its compelling and deep storyline."