Today, Konami Productions seemingly teased fans about announcing Metal Gear Solid 5. Although rumors have been floating around that the game would be announced at this year’s E3 (especially after Konami’s announcement at GDC) they seem to have jumped the gun by announcing it online instead – sort of.

Fans were suspicious of the new release with an animated countdown on the Konami website, where a flashing symbol in the background sported an ambiguous shape: either a “5” for “Metal Gear Solid 5” or an “S” for “Snake.”

Fans have been asking for MGS5 since the release of MGS4 last June. Although Konami stated Solid Snake’s story was over, a sequel was always expected, possibly with Raiden taking center stage.

The countdown is now set for 200 hours, which lands on the Friday before E3. To further restore sense into the matter, the symbol now rotates from an “E” to a “3” to a “5.” What are you trying to say Kojima? MGS5 @ E3 perhaps?

First, Kojima announces at GDC that something would be announced at E3 and now this. I’ve heard of companies being secretive and all but, dammit it Kojima, couldn’t you have given the fans at least a small taste of what’s to come? Or is the stormy background a cryptic hint in and of itself?

UPDATE 5/26: The countdown clock counted down faster than expected and is set to reach zero at 6PM tonight. Will Kojima have something to show or will it be just another countdown again?