Next

Next is a flash teaser site on Kojima Productions web-site. Originally advertised in the Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu, the advert was a two page spread depicting a thunderstorm with the date "2009 . 5 . 18" written on the second page, with the url: http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/next/ under it. The site itself didn't go live until the 14th May, and on the 18th, the site was updated with a countdown, with the number "5" or Letter "S" appearing every few seconds.

On May 21st the first countdown finished, and the site changed to more aggressive rain and lightning, and changing the flashing sequence to show the letters: "S", "e", "E" and "3", obviously meaning "See At E3". The countdown started again, now set to end on the 29th of May, when an issue of Famitsu PSP+PS3 will be released, supoosedly having coverage on the game.

Metal Gear Solid 5?
Hideo Kojima has stated that Metal Gear Solid 4 will be the last Metal Gear game that he will direct. Nevertheless, there have been some statements about a hypothetical "Metal Gear Solid 5", which may or may not involve Kojima.

In a recent interview about leaving Kojima productions, Ryan Payton mentioned the apparently upcoming game.

"It'll be hard not being involved in MGS5, but I've got the utmost confidence that Hideo Kojima, Ken Imaizumi, and our amazing team will put together another blockbuster game."

- Ryan Payton

In an interview with 1UP, Kojima claimed he already has three concepts in mind for MGS5, and said if the team picked one of his concepts he would have to be involved.

In March 2009, Kojima completed his keynote delivery at the Game Developers Conference with a shot of Raiden standing behind the words "the next MGS". This could be a hint concerning the main character of MGS4's sequel. At the same time, Kojima expressed interest in sending the MGS series in a new direction, specifically a combination of Japanese "developer-driven methods" and Western "technology-driven methods", apparently confirming that he is not ready to finish the series yet.

On May 21st, mere hours away from the end of the first countdown, a listing at a Japanese 7-Eleven product database revealed that an upcoming issue of Famitsu PSP+PS3 will feature a brand new Metal Gear game. The magazine is scheduled to ship on May 30.

"Next" Speculation
As was probably the sites intention, fans have been speculating about the possible meaning of the teaser. Obviously, the flashing Five could refer to the possibility that this is a teaser for Metal Gear Solid 5, with the thunder and lightning being a reference to Raiden (Raiden being Japanese for "thunder and lightning"). This lines up with Kojima's announcement at the Video Game Developers Conference where he talked about the history of Metal Gear, before announcing the "Next MGS" with a small picture of Raiden. Other fans have been speculating that the flashing symbol could be an S, possibly making this a teaser for a sequel or remake of Snatcher. Others believe a possible Boktai sequel is hinted.