Update:
Konami says Hideo Kojima is on vacation.
Original Story:
In an article published today by the New Yorker focusing on Hideo Kojima and Konami, they are reporting that Kojima officially left the company on Friday, October 9, just over a month after the launch of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
Citing a source who attended Kojima’s departure ceremony at Kojima Productions, which saw roughly 100 guests, it was reportedly a “rather cheerful but also emotional goodbye.” While many developers on The Phantom Pain attended, the source didn’t see Konami President Hideki Hayakawa, or CEO Sadaaki Kaneyoshi.
Contacted for comment on the story, the New Yorker says Kojima declined due to a legally binding agreement with Konami. Additionally, the report states Hideo Kojima’s non-compete clause doesn’t expire until December, meaning the Metal Gear creator won’t be able to sign with a new studio until then at the earliest.
We’ll let you know if Konami or Hideo Kojima confirms his departure.
[Source: New Yorker via GameSpot]
