Kojima’s Name Removed from Metal Gear Solid V Tagline

The rumor mill is running high this morning in regards to Hideo Kojima, creator of Metal Gear Solid, and Konami. It appears that Kojima and Konami might be parting ways. This is based on some circumstantial evidence that has not been confirmed by either party, but the time is curious.

Let’s start with the most important news, Konami released a statement to Eurogamer that they and Kojima are both still working on Metal Gear Solid V. Whew!

Now to the sketchier side, Konami has restructured the studios associated with Kojima in very radical ways. Konami informed Eurogamer earlier this month that Konami would be shifting the branding and set up of its property; however, all references to Kojima have been removed from Metal Gear Solid V: Phantom Pain. Kojima Productions LA Studio has been renamed Konami Los Angeles Studios and those attempting to access the Kojima Pro website will be redirected to Konami Los Angeles Studios’ website. The Kojima Productions twitter account has also been rolled into the Metal Gear Solid V account. However, the most titillating reveal is the absence of Kojima from the list of corporate and executive appointments.

As of this moment, it is all rumor. Kojima even tweeted a Metal Gear screencap just today, so let’s hope this is just bad gossip. Metal Gear Solid V: Phantom Pain releases September 1st.

Please follow me on Twitter for more gaming news: @lmrome3

EDIT: Gamespot reported an unnamed source at Konami has confirmed a falling out between Kojima and Konami. Kojima plans to leave after the release of Metal Gear Solid V: Phantom Pain