The release date for the highly anticipated fifth installment of "Metal Gear Solid" has finally been confirmed. The upcoming game, which is entitled "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain", is set to be launched by September this year.

In an official statement available on its website, Konami, the production company behind the successful series, has announced the specific date for "Metal Gear Solid V", stating:

"Thank you for your continued patronage of Konami products and services. The latest title in the Metal Gear series, 'Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain,' will be released as planned starting on Tuesday, September 1st, 2015 in North America, Latin America, and Europe, followed by Japan and Asia on Wednesday, September 2nd."

The announcement has come as a relief for fans who were on the edge about the game's late release due to controversies plaguing its development.

Among the more controversial issues was the casting for the voice actors. David Hyter, who had previously voiced Venom Snake and Big Boss, was replaced by Kiefer Sutherland, leading to speculations behind the change.

In a report by wccftech.com, Konami has claimed that the replacement was brought upon by the need "to convey emotions not only through dialogue but through facial gestures as well, suggesting that this was more a creative decision."

However, the most widely talked about scandal that transpired during the production of "Metal Gear Solid V" was the creator Hideo Kojima ending his long standing partnership with Konami. No reason was officially given for the exit by the veteran developer, though it was speculated that the two parties were involved in some kind of a power struggle to try and control the direction of the game.

Nevertheless, fans can now rest easy as Kojima has released an official statement confirming that he is still very much involved in the remaining development work of "Metal Gear solid V."

"I want to reassure fans that I am 100 percent 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. Don't miss it!" claimed Kojima.

""Metal Gear Solid: The Phantom Pain" will be released on September 1, 2015.