Of all places to get a gaming scoop, MTV Multiplayer got an interview with Metal Gear Solid 4 associate producer Ryan Payton about the franchise’s future.

“I think there’s been some misconceptions that this is the last ‘Metal Gear,’” said Payton. “This is really just the last chapter of the saga of the Solid Snake story.”

When asked about what future involvement Kojima might have with the future of this franchise, Payton added, “[Solid Snake] was a burden [for Kojima] because of all those loose ends. So when you play Metal Gear Solid 4 and when you get to the end, I think you’re going to feel that ‘wow, this is a nice closure.’ All of the weird stuff that’s gone on in the past, it’s all coming to an end. All those weird questions — everything is answered.”

Payton also mentions the inclusion of Altair’s costume from Assassin’s Creed as a bonus for fans of both games. Having enjoyed Ubisoft’s game, and being a big fan of the different unlockable costumes Metal Gear has always offered, this is a nice little treat.

I pretty much grew up with Solid Snake, so hearing this will be the last time I get to spend 40 hours with him is a tad heartbreaking. I don’t know how the franchise will do without the David Hayter voiced hero, or Kojima for that matter, but I anxiously await what they have planned. June 12th can’t come fast enough.

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