Rumors Surround Kojima and Metal Gear Franchise

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Kojima Productions has been renamed to "Konami Los Angeles Studios." Hideo Kojima is no longer listed as an executive of Konami in this year's restructuring announcement, and has been instead designated a contractor. Kojima Productions' Twitter accounts have been renamed. What is going on here?
Konami's official statement is as follows: "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."

The wording here is suspect, as they separately point out Hideo Kojima's name. They could either be mentioning him to confirm his involvement, or because he is now considered somehow independent from Konami. An unnamed source that spoke to GameSpot makes allegations that "After we finish MGSV, Mr. Kojima and upper management will leave Konami. They said their contract ends in December. At a team meeting, Mr Kojima explained that team have to be one and make a good game for fans."

Gematsu points out that the Kojima Productions logo and mentions of Hideo Kojima's name have been stripped from various promotional materials on the Konami web page, and are reporting that a power struggle is occurring, leaving uncertain the future of the franchise and Kojima's involvement.

We will have to wait and see how this shakes out, but for now MGSV: The Phantom Pain is on track for release in September.

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