First online multiplayer stealth videogame

The Metal Gear series pioneered online features for stealth games back in Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence (Konami, 2005), an expanded director’s cut-style re-release of Metal Gear Solid 3, with various additions, one of which was Metal Gear Online. The Metal Gear Online that was part of Subsittence featured sneaking missions alongside more traditional FPS fayre such as team deathmatch, deathmatch, capture and rescue missions. The online server support for this version of Metal Gear Online was shut down in 2007.

Subsequent online offerings, each dubbed Metal Gear Online, were part of Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops and the non-Japanese versions of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. In Japan this version of the online game was sold as a stand-alone title under the moniker Metal Gear Solid Online. This version of Metal Gear Online was launched in July 2008, with server support finally being withdrawn in June 2012.

However, gamers who are eager to engage in stealthy online fun need not despair as online play is rumoured to be part of the upcoming Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.