Japanese publisher Konami is removing entries in the Metal Gear Solid franchises from sale on digital platforms for a little while.

In a post on its website, the firm said that it was taking down games from the PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo storefronts, as well as from GOG.com and Nvidia Shield TV. This is due to Konami having to renew rights for some of the historical archive footage used during cutscenes.

There isn't a time frame for when these games will be returning.

"We are currently working on renewing the licenses for select historical archive footage used in-game, therefore, we have made the temporary decision to begin suspending the sale of Metal Gear Solid 2, Metal Gear Solid 3 and all products that include these games from digital storefronts globally starting from November 8th, 2021," Konami wrote.

"We sincerely ask for your patience and understanding as we work towards making these products available for purchase once again."

Konami is also reportedly turning to external developers to make new entries in some of its huge IP. This includes a reported remake of Metal Gear Solid 3, developed by Singapore's Virtuos.