All due to a Reddit and NeoGAF thread’s, we have shockingly learned that Kojima, director of the Metal Gear Series was having his named pulled off of all Metal Gear products by Konami. With this move a bunch of rumors started to rise of Kojima leaving and now we have some clarity. Konami has confirmed that Hideo Kojima and several other senior staff members will make they’re departure in December once Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is completed.
After we finish MGSV, Mr. Kojima and upper management will leave Konami, they said their contract ends in December.
Speaking with IGN, a rep had this to say on Kojima’s departure.
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.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Who would’ve ever thought Kojima and Konami would split up?
UPDATE: Hideo Kojima and Konami step up and issue a joint statement.
To Customers,
Thank you for your continued patronage of KONAMI products and services.
The latest title in the METAL GEAR series,“METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN” (below, “MGSV: TPP”), 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.
Hideo Kojima stated, “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!”
In addition, KONAMI will continue to develop and distribute top-quality content in the METAL GEAR series following “MGSV: TPP.” We greatly anticipate and deeply appreciate your ongoing support for METAL GEAR.
As the next step in the series, KONAMI has already resolved to develop new “METAL GEAR”.
We will be conducting interviews for main staff to lead the development.
There are still something unclear, like Konami going forward with the Metal Gear series. They have in fact started looking for new developers, but there isn’t any news towards what the next title may be. Stay tuned for anymore updates.
