Hideo Kojima, one of the most famous names in Japanese gaming is rumoured to be leaving Konami after the release of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Kojima is no longer listed as an executive at Konami and Kojima Productions at Los Angeles has been rebranded as Konami Los Angeles Studios. Not only that, the online marketing materials for the latest Metal Gear Solid removes the iconic description: “A Hideo Kojima Game” plus the twitter of @Kjima Pro Live has been changed to @metalgear_en too.
According to sources at the Japanese game company in the report by Gamespot, “After we finish [Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain], Mr. Kojima and upper management [of Kojima Productions] will leave Konami.”
A number of upper management of Kojima Productions including Mr Kojima himself ended their contracts last December. Many speculations started from this Kojima’s tweet on 16 March:
Heading off. pic.twitter.com/JWyh4DbeIY”
— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) March 16, 2015
However, Konami denies the split with this statement:
“As we have already announced, we are shifting our production structure to a headquarters-controlled system, in order to establish a steadfast operating base capable of responding to the rapid market changes that surround our digital entertainment business. Konami Digital Entertainment (including Mr. Kojima), will continue to develop and support Metal Gear products. Please look forward to future announcements.”
In another press statement, Konami also said this:
“The latest title in the Metal Gear series,Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, will be released as planned starting on Tuesday, September 1st, 2015 in North America, Latin America, and Europe, followed by Japan and Asia on Wednesday, September 2nd. Hideo Kojima will remain involved throughout.”
Now, what about the man himself? This is what he has to say:
“I want to reassure fans that I am 100% involved and will continue working on Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain; I’m determined to make it the greatest game I’ve directed to date. Don’t miss it!”
Some fans are questioning what will happen to him after the release of the latest title though, speculations are rife. If this is true, this marks another major departure of creative force from Konami which just saw two of their best brains behind their hugely successful dating sim game genre left the company not long ago.
Just what is going on at Konami?
Image credit: Stevior
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