To the complete dismay of Silent Hill fans, the next-gen debut of the classic horror franchise has been officially cancelled.

Silent Hill fans were met with a different kind of horror over the past weekend, as Guillermo Del Toro and Norman Reedus both revealed that they were no longer affiliated with Silent Hills. An official statement from Konami had yet to be issued, however both members claimed that the upcoming next-gen Silent Hill title had been cancelled.

Early this morning, Konami released a self-published Q&A regarding the state of the Silent Hill franchise. What existed as a lingering worry in the minds of fans, Konami declared that the Silent Hill game from Hideo Kojima, Guillermo Del Toro and Norman Reedus was officially no more. While Konami continues to dodge questions revolving Kojima, the publisher stated that Norman Reedus was no longer a part of Silent Hills due to his contract expiring. In light of this, Konami assures fans that the loss of Silent Hills will not mark the end of the franchise, as the publisher will continue to produce more Silent Hill content in the future:

• Why has the image of Norman Reedus disappeared from the official website?
  This is because our contract period with him has expired.

• What will happen with regard to “SILENT HILL”?
  Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. will continue to develop the “SILENT HILL” series.

•  Why is “P.T.” no longer available on Playstation Network?
  Because the distribution period has expired.

• What will happen with regard to “P.T.”?
  P.T. was purely created to be a playable teaser for “SILENT HILL.”

• What do you mean by “playable teaser”?
  The playable teaser was a trial edition of “SILENT HILLS” intended to give players an idea of the game concept.

A secondary statement from Konami was sent to Kotaku, claiming that “discussions” on the future of Silent Hill had already begun within the company:

“Konami is committed to new Silent Hill titles, however the embryonic ‘Silent Hills’ project developed with Guillermo del Toro and featuring the likeness of Norman Reedus will not be continued.

In terms of Kojima and Del Toro being involved, discussions on future Silent Hill projects are currently underway, and please stay tuned for further announcements.”

With the cancellation of Silent Hills, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain will be the last title developed between Kojima Productions and Konami. Silent Hills was not the first video-game project for director Guillermo Del Toro, as he was affiliated with the since-cancelled psychological-horror game inSANE.

Those wanting to experience a taste of Silent Hills can still download the P.T. demo from PSN, however Konami will remove the “playable teaser” from the PSN store on 4/29.

Sources: Konami, Kotaku
Image courtesy of Kojima Productions, Konami