PS3 and Xbox 360 servers for Metal Gear Solid 5 have been shut down by Konami

The PS3 and Xbox 360 servers for Metal Gear Solid 5 have been shut down.

Metal Gear Solid 5's PS3 and Xbox 360 servers will be taken down by Konami, although fans will still be able to play the game.

Image Credit Konami

Even in the world of video games, all good things must come to an end. Those who are still checking on to Metal Gear Solid 5's online component for the PS3 and Xbox 360 will be disappointed to learn that Konami has announced that the game's servers will be gradually shut down. Fans, on the other hand, have a little more time to interact with it before it vanishes.

The company has disabled some functionality between now and when the servers are turned off, according to a Konami website update. Players on Xbox 360 and PS3 will no longer be able to use the Purchase System as of today. Then, in November, all DLC for Metal Gear Online will be removed from the market. Finally, the servers will be turned off permanently on May 31, 2022.

Metal Gear Solid 5's servers have been turned off permanently, which should come as no surprise. While it is by no means a little game, the game will celebrate its sixth birthday on September 1, which is a long time for a single player-oriented game to maintain its online component. Furthermore, this is only for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game, which are unlikely to have large player bases given the systems' age.

Konami hasn't said when the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game will be disabled, so fans on those systems may rest easy for the time being. Because the two consoles have such large install bases, they'll most certainly be left on for a long time, although it's difficult to say when that will be.

Image Credit Konami

Unfortunately, server shutdowns are a part of every online game's lifecycle. While it's always sad to see them go, especially because of the memories they evoke, it's usually the result of a shrinking player base, making it impossible for developers to keep the servers functioning.

Of course, fans will attempt to save servers sometimes. A classic example is the Xbox 360's Halo servers, which fans have worked hard to keep alive despite the fact that they are set to close at the end of the year. There are also active initiatives to bring back the original Xbox's Xbox Live feature, which may give the console new life. It's impossible to predict whether Metal Gear Solid 5 will – or even can – receive the same treatment, but someone out there would undoubtedly enjoy it.

The PS3 and Xbox 360 servers for Metal Gear Solid 5 will be shut down on May 31, 2022.

H/S: Konami

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