An unnamed source from Konami has suggested that Hideo Kojima will leave the company after Metal Gear Solid V has been completed.
Whilst talking to GameSpot, the source has revealed that due to a fallout between Kojima Productions and Konami. Some of the senior staff have had their employment status amended to contractors, therefore they are no longer permanent members.
the source has said “After we finish MGSV, Mr. Kojima and upper management will leave Konami. They said their contract ends in December”
Meanwhile Konami have been removing all of the branding and references to Kojima Productions from Twitter, Metal Gear’s official website and the LA office listing.
Konami have released two statements on the matter. The first reads “Konami Digital Entertainment, including Mr. Kojima, will continue to develop and support Metal Gear products. Please look forward to future announcements.”
The second expands upon the original: “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 recent developments a press release posted on Konami’s Japanese Website translated by Google has revealed that the company is planning to “embark on production of a new ‘Metal Gear’ series” and that they would “begin the audition of key staff” during production.
Sources: VideoGamer, GameSpot, Konami