Hideo Kojima Rumored To Be Leaving Konami By The End Of 2015

Rumors are circulating that legendary developer Hideo Kojima could be on his way out of Konami. The gaming icon, who joined the company back in 1986, is most known for the Metal Gear franchise.

While Kojima has said numerous times in the past that he was retiring from the Metal Gear series, it appears that time might have finally come. According to a source speaking to Gamespot, a power struggle has developed between Kojima Productions and Konami. Even with Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain still in development, Konami has taken away access to corporate internet, emails, and phone from senior staff members.

Once Metal Gear Solid V launches in September, the anonymous source is fully expecting Kojima Productions to be disbanded.

After we finish MGSV, Mr. Kojima and upper management will leave Konami. They said their contract ends in December. At a team meeting, Mr Kojima explained that team have to be one and make a good game for fans.

It appears that Konami is working to eliminate the Kojima Productions branding entirely, as they are already trying to remove the Kojima Productions logo from all official Metal Gear art. This includes not only artwork, but also the official Twitter account, website, and office building listing.

Konami has yet to respond to any website looking for answers regarding this murky situation, but they have released a brief statement, though it doesn’t really clarify matters.

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.

While this shouldn’t have much of an effect on Metal Gear Solid V, outside of promotion for the title, what I’m wondering is what’s going to happen with Silent Hills? Kojima was one of the driving forces behind that project, and if he’s not going to be working on it, who knows how it will turn out.

Tell us, what are your thoughts regarding the conflict between Hideo Kojima and Konami? Sound off below!