Starting today, August 31, publisher Konami is ceasing network support for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain and Metal Gear Online across PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 servers. Multiplayer spinoff Metal Gear Online snuck onto PlayStation 3 in 2008, allowing up to 16 players to take part in online-only tactical warfare engagements. Konami shuttered the online services in 2012, but a new and improved version of the experience launched for MGSV in early 2016.
Metal Gear Solid V's Metal Gear Online component featured three different game modes. Bounty Hunter offered a team deathmatch experience, complete with Fulton mechanics, respawn tickets, and more that made for a good amount of fun. A control-point mode known as Comms Control offered a bit of leeway in terms of team communications, especially since the objective was clear to all. Finally, Cloak and Dagger pit non-lethal infiltrators against opponents equipped with deadly weapons; this game of cat and mouse added to the intensity by removing the ability to respawn. Soon these experiences will be lost to time.
According to a post on Konami's Metal Gear Portal Site, network services for MGSV and its online component will begin winding down on PS3 and Xbox 360. As of today, Konami will terminate the purchasing system. November 30 of this year will bring about the demise of DLC purchasing options for Metal Gear Online. Distribution shutters a few months thereafter on March 1, 2022, followed by the "retirement of service" on May 31, 2022. By the end of next Spring, then, the publisher plans to have rid itself of all Metal Gear Solid V's online services for the seventh-generation consoles.
It hardly comes as a surprise that Konami is slowly shuttering network support for MGSV on holder hardware. And it's not the only major publisher making such a move, either. On December 16, Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar plan to shutdown GTA Online for PS3 and Xbox 360. Stat tracking for L.A. Noire and Max Payne 3 will come to an end on the two consoles, as well.
Those who still invest time in Metal Gear Solid V on the seventh-gen devices won't be completely left out to dry. After all, the story campaign remains intact, untouched by the fate of its accompanying multiplayer suite.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is available across PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One platforms.
Source: Konami