Metal Gear Solid remake is still in development at Konami, rumour suggests

Facepunch Studios has rolled out its comprehensive January update for Rust, reflecting on the game's progress in the previous year and outlining an ambitious agenda for the months ahead. The year 2023 saw the introduction of several significant elements to Rust, such as an Industrial Mechanic, the addition of Drones, and the inclusion of an M4 shotgun. However, amidst detailing plans, the Facepunch team shared that the much-anticipated pets feature is now on hold with no definite plans to resume it shortly.

The update post by Facepunch Studios mentioned the substantial enthusiasm from the Rust community regarding the inclusion of pets. The development team spent considerable time working on this aspect but encountered numerous hurdles that led them to reconsider its viability. In particular, it became evident that improving the game's AI for managing pet behavior was a significant impediment. As such, Facepunch is looking for a game AI programmer who can specialize in enhancing the AI system, potentially setting the stage for future pet implementation.

With the pets update sidetracked, Facepunch is dedicating efforts to various other updates and enhancements to Rust. These efforts are geared towards enhancing overall gameplay through performance tweaks, bolstering server reliability, refining combat mechanisms, and redesigning interactive landmarks within the game. Moreover, the team is investigating the addition of novel gameplay components, such as motorcycles, a user-friendly server listing interface, and an enriched diving and underwater activity experience.

As we gaze into 2024, Rust enthusiasts can anticipate the trademark monthly updates starting with the backpack feature in February, which promises to expand players' carrying capacities. Facepunch has arranged a preliminary testing phase for this on the Staging Branch. Additionally, restrictions on where players can set up shelter will be instituted the following month. The Nexus project, a bold undertaking that envisions enabling server-to-server migrations and potentially expansive player engagement, remains under development with a projected launch date of 2024.

Furthermore, the studio plans to look closer at nighttime visibility, aiming to balance, allowing players to navigate more effectively while maintaining night's tactical intricacies. Facepunch is also intensifying its efforts to implement more robust anti-cheat measures, among various other commitments. While the postponed introduction of pets may be disappointing, the rolling-out updates indicate a year full of potential and steady improvements.

In summary, the Facepunch Studios team is fully engaged in elevating Rust's gaming experience through a series of aimed updates, looking to surprise players with innovative features while addressing gameplay's foundational aspects. Enthusiasts will be waiting eagerly to see how these developments unfold over time.