It’s official. After months of what has been probably the most publicised fall out in gaming history, Hideo Kojima has officially left Konami on the 15th of December. But it seems he hasn’t spent the last few months dawdling about; after officially leaving Konami it was revealed Kojima has entered into an agreement with Sony Computer Entertainment and has reformed Kojima Productions. The new studio has already announced that they are working on a franchise exclusive to the Playstation 4.
“PlayStation®’s history is one of game innovation and great new franchises. Hideo Kojima has been a huge part of that history, and we are therefore delighted that he has chosen to bring his brand new project to life in partnership with PlayStation. We look forward to working with him on an exciting new game and warmly welcome him to the PlayStation family.”
– Andrew House, President and Global CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Kojima’s relationship with Konami began to sour back in March earlier this year, when the publisher announced a corporate restructuring and orchestrated the removal of Kojima Productions’s branding from Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain promotional materials. The following month Konami cancelled Silent Hills, a collaboration between Kojima and Guillermo del Toro. In July, Kojima productions was reportedly disbanded and more recently, Konami prevented Hideo Kojima from appearing at The Game Awards 2015.
Despite all this, Konami refuted claims that Kojima’s non-complete clause would expire, stating that he was still an employee at the company. Luckily for us, the statement appears to be untrue.
“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.”
– Hideo Kojima, Game Designer, Kojima Productions.
A website for the new Kojima Productions has been set up and can be visited here.
Source: Sony Computer Entertainment (PR Newswire)
