Konami on Hideo Kojima Departure Rumors: We Will Both Continue to “Develop and Support Metal Gear Products” (Update)

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Update:

A more in-depth statement was sent to IGN, with Konami saying:

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.

Original Story:

Earlier today, some rumors popped up on Reddit and NeoGAF that suggested Metal Gear Solid Creator Hideo Kojima had left Konami, following the removal of “A Hideo Kojima game” on certain box arts and the removal of Kojima Productions’ logos from the Metal Gear website.

In a statement sent to Videogamer, Konami said both them and Kojima will continue to work on Metal Gear products:

Konami Digital Entertainment, including Mr. Kojima, will continue to develop and support Metal Gear products. Please look forward to future announcements.

However, there have been some changes within the company, as the Kojima Pro Live Twitter account is no longer the official Metal Gear Solid Twitter account. That distinction now belongs to @MetalGear_EN.

Meanwhile, Kojima Productions Los Angeles, who is working on Metal Gear Online, has been renamed to Konami Los Angeles Studio. Not only that, but the Kojima Productions website now re-directs to a Metal Gear Solid portal.

If Konami provides any further statement on this matter, we’ll let you know.

The next Metal Gear Solid title, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, launches on September 1.

[Source: Videogamer, NeoGAF, Reddit]

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