According to an inside source within Konami, Hideo Kojima and Konami will be parting ways once Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. The source claims that senior staff within Kojima Productions including Hideo have been demoted as contractors and not permanent employees. The drastic changes are the result of an internal power struggle between Konami and Kojima Productions.
“After we finish MGSV, Mr. Kojima and upper management will leave Konami. They said their contract ends in December,” the source stated to Gamespot. However Kojima is asking the team to keep their spirits high and develop the game that fans want. “At a team meeting, Mr Kojima explained that team have to be one and make a good game for fans,” the inside source added.
The source also revealed that Konami have restricted access to internet, email and telephone for senior employees within Kojima Productions.
However Konami have responded to the situation by stating that Kojima will continue to develop Metal Gear products. “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.”
Take this report with a grain of salt as this isn’t coming directly from Konami.
We will keep you updated as this develops.
