Apparently publisher Konami has closed its LA based studio, which supported the development of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, and the game’s online mode ‘Metal Gear Online’.

　　Website Eurogamer has reported the closure of Konami’s LA studio just a few minutes ago. According Eurogamer, sources close to the matter have confirmed the closure of the studio, with over 20 jobs lost in the process.

　　Konami has been a hot-topic in the gaming industry over the last year, as earlier this year rumors erupted about Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima leaving the studio. The rumor was denied, and Konami stated that Kojima was merely on a long vacation.

　　The publisher seems to be focusing on mobile titles for the future, but has stated that they are not abandoning consoles.

　　Recently we often hear the term “Mobile First,” and I want to specify that KONAMI’s idea of Mobile First is not at all to focus purely on mobile games. Our aim is to continue to build up a comprehensive portfolio of console, arcade, and card game titles for each IP while also making the best possible use of the mobile devices that accompany our customers in their daily life, thus expanding the limits of entertainment and appealing to more and more customers.

　　-Hideki Hayakawa, Konami Provided Translation

　　Konami’s LA studio opening back in 2013 to support the development on Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain and its online component ‘Metal Gear Online’. The Phantom Pain’s online mode launched previous month, and according Eurogamer work on Metal Gear Online was transferred to Konami's Japanese studio shortly before the release of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, with the Los Angeles studio providing support.

　　We’ll report back when we hear more on this matter.