Speaking this week, creator has reluctantly admitted that the Japanese games is not the pioneering force it once was, western game makers having moved into pole position.

"Unfortunately, overseas game production companies, which are well-funded and extremely skilled, have surpassed us by a couple of steps," he said in the new interview.

"It was once said that molded the world's video game [industry], but that's becoming a thing of the past. Sad as it may be, it's the truth."

Speaking as it was confirmed Metal Gear Solid 4 is complete, the designer added that he doesn't want hardcore gamers to be forgotten amid the rise of gaming.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots should certainly be one of the purists. It'll be out on come June 12th.

By Luke Guttridge