Hideo Kojima Has Officially Left Konami; Starts New Studio [Updated: Statement From Sony]

Metal Gear series creator Hideo Kojima has officially left Konami after months of reported trouble with the Japanese developer. The news comes via a translated version of a Nikkei news article, since Konami refuses to say anything about Kojima’s departure… aside from trying to pretend he doesn’t exist.

Kojima has faced several torrid months at Konami; beginning from disagreements during the development of Metal Gear Solid V. The developer removed all references to Kojima from promotional material for the game. Shortly after that, Konami also began erasing anything remotely related to Kojima; including the Los Angeles studio that he founded to work on Metal Gear Online.

Nobody knows the exact reason for the fallout between Kojima and Konami. Some suspect that there was a disagreement with the new direction of the company, which is pulling back from making console titles and instead concentrating on mobile gaming.

The good news is that Kojima has founded a new studio, staffed by people he used to work with at Konami. This new studio doesn’t have the rights to the Metal Gear series, which remain at Konami. However, it is already working on new properties and is in talks with Sony Computer Entertainment for them to debut on the PlayStation.

There’s no word on how long it will take for Kojima’s new studio to get games out the door, but the legendary game creator is back doing what he does best. With any luck we will be seeing the next great gaming franchise in the near future.

[Source: Neogaf]

Update: Sony Computer Entertainment has sent us a press statement about the Kojima’s new studio. It looks like SCE has entered into an agreement with Kojima Productions to develop a console exclusive title for the PlayStation 4.

Kojima has said, “I will be taking on a new challenge by establishing my own independent studio, and I am thrilled to be able to embark on this journey with PlayStation, who I have continued to work with all these past years. I cannot wait to deliver, with PlayStation, a game that will become a compelling franchise.”