Metal Gear Solid 4 out before March 31, 2008

Konami's latest financial report confirms that Metal Gear Solid 4 will be released in the company's current fiscal year.

The Japanese publisher and developer has reported record sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, up from $2.15 billion to $2.3 billion. The digital entertainment division, which includes video games, is the company's main source of profits with a number of titles said to have performed well.

The Pro Evolution Soccer series sold more than eight million units over the year, more than in any previous year, and titles including the Dance Dance Revolution series and Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops were also singled-out for their strong sales.

The title which Konami expects to be a driver in this current financial year - ending March 31, 2008 - is the highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots which is still tentatively pencilled in for a 2007 release. Although not mentioned, the next instalment in the Pro Evolution Soccer series should also be a strong performer.