Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima and Konami have released a joint statement to clear up confusion surrounding reports regarding Kojima's departure from the company and the future of the popular stealth-action franchise.

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In the statement , Konami reaffirms that Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is on track for release on September 1 and Kojima will remain involved up through the game's completion.Kojima offered a few reassuring words as well, saying, "I am 100% involved and will continue working on Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain; I’m determined to make it the greatest game I’ve directed to date."Konami closed out its statement by confirming the company is already looking to develop more Metal Gear games in the future.

Alex Osborn is a freelancer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @alexcosborn