Renowned Japanese developer Kojima Productions is vetting application requests for people to start working on a next-gen Metal Gear Solid title. The company is seeking planners, CG artists, and programmers.

The planning work would consist of level design, scripting, and general planning. Programmers would have the duties of creating network code, plug-ins, and graphics, among other things. Finally, the CG artists would be in charge of creating concept art, 3D modeling for characters and stages, motion design, interfaces, and effects production. The applicants would preferably have experience in creating games for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

The MGS series creator, Hideo Kojima, has been notorious in his on-again, off-again approach when it comes to quitting work on Metal Gear Solid. There has been no confirmation of Kojima-san’s direct involvement in this particular title, in any role. However, given that production is being handled by his studio, he may well play a part.

It should be noted that this call for workers is apparently unconnected to the currently in production Metal Gear Solid: Rising. Although reports have suggested that MGS: Rising’s release might be pushed into 2012, the the 2010 E3 trailer for the game suggests that it is too far along in production for the developer to be short on such key positions.

A new Metal Gear Solid game is always exciting to hear about, particularly one that’s going to be developed on consoles, as opposed to the PSP-only, Peace Walker. After the ending of Metal Gear Solid 4, it’s hard to imagine the kind of direction the series will be taking, especially if Raiden will be getting his own game. Snake just doesn’t seem to have it in him anymore, especially after putting to his past to rest, finally

Konami will be at E3 this year, and they just might have an announcement to make on the title. If history is anything to go by, they might even have a trailer ready.

Ranters, are you excited to learn that Kojima Productions is gearing up for another Metal Gear Solid? Are you surprised this news has come out well before the release of Metal Gear Solid: Rising?

Source: Andriasang