Fans of the Metal Gear Solid series were highly disappointed when word got out that the driving force behind the series, Hideo Kojima, would be leaving Konami Studios. But was that really what happened?
The change came to no surprise as subtle hints had been given leading up to the release of Metal Gear Solid V: Phantom Pain (i.e. Hideo Kojima’s name being absent from the art box of MGS V). In light of an article that was released by a Japanese publication, Tokyo Sports, Hideo Kojima is simply on “vacation” from Konami Studios.
The publication states that a Spokesperson from Konami came out to deny these rumors and confirm that Hideo Kojima is still in fact an employee at Konami. Kojima, like many others in the gaming industry, is taking a long and well deserved “vacation.”
With the completion of Metal Gear Solid V, he and other employees on the development team will be MIA until the next project. Unfortunately, this doesn’t explain why Kojima’s name was removed from the cover of MGSV or why the next game in the franchise isn’t under development yet or the supposed farewell party held for Kojima. It all seems suspicious.
It has been stated previously in other publications such as The New Yorker and Kotaku that Hideo Kojima is under a non-compete clause that will expire in December. This clause will prevent him from creating a new partnership with another company or from publicly stating that he is no longer with Konami. If this is true then it would explain why there is an air of mystery when it comes to the future of Kojima’s career. Only time will tell if the beloved director of the Metal Gear franchise will be setting off on his own to create new projects or whether he will be sticking it out with Konami.
Do you believe the evidence is strong enough that Hideo Kojima is no longer with Konami? Let me know what you guys think in the comments below!
