Fans of Konami-published video game Metal Gear Solid 5: Phantom Pain have been looking forward to seeing the next iteration of the series ever since the confirmation of its arrival. Now, reports started to circulate that the game, which has been plagued with controversy, is confirmed for a September launch.

Ever since it was discovered that Hideo Kojima was not seeing eye-to-eye with Konami, fans were worried that the relationship between the Japanese developer and game publisher would affect the game's release date.

Up until now, it is still unclear what caused the falling out between Kojima and Konami. Both sides have remained mum about the reason, IGN reported. However, Konami pointed out that the Japanese developer's full focus was on Metal Gear Solid 5: Phantom Pain until the two went separate ways in December.

Among the controversies that hit the popular game is the news of an Italian neurosurgeon that accused the company of face robbery, according to Popular Mechanics. 

Dr. Sergio Canavero gained popularity for his upcoming attempt to perform the first human head transplant. However, he has recently been part of the news once again as he filed a case against the developers of Metal Gear Solid 5: Phantom Pain for allegedly stealing his face and copying it as one of the characters of the game without his consent.

The character Canavero pertained to was seen in an official trailer released for the video game three years ago. According to the neurosurgeon, the video showed another doctor with the same facial features as his own. However, the representation in the clip was not related or anywhere near his profession.

Canavero accused the developers of getting a video of one of his TED talks and digitally copying his face into one of the characters. The neurosurgeon does not have any idea on who was behind it, but he made it clear that he is intent on finding out the identity of the culprit.

Even with the controversy, however, it has been confirmed that the developers would push through with the September release for last and current generation consoles. The PC version of the game will follow two weeks later. 

Fans of the video game are already excited to get their hands on it. Months before the release date arrives, Metal Gear Solid 5: Phantom Pain Collector's Edition is already sold out in the United Kingdom.

Metal Gear Solid 5: Phantom Pain will hit last and current generation consoles on Sept. 1 and PC on Sept. 15.