Gamers know it: Every time Hideo Kojima finishes one of his "Metal Gear" stealth video games, he attempts to wash his hands of the wildly successful franchise and says, "That's it. I'm done."

Yet, "Metal Gear" is to the famed game-creator as the mafia is to Michael Corleone: Just when he thinks he's out ... they pull him back in. "They" being the series' fans.

Kojima's latest attempts to reduce his "Metal Gear" involvement seem futile, as his studio, Kojima Productions, is ramping up for a brand-new title. Last month, the studio released a help-wanted website for what they are labelling the "next" "Metal Gear Solid." Judging by the long list of jobs on the site, the studio is looking to hire a brand-new team — or at least a big chunk of the huge number of staff required to make one of these games. And while the studio hasn't said whether or not Kojima will actually be directing this title, if the past is anything to go on, no doubt he will be.