Update:
In a joint statement with Konami, Hideo Kojima reiterated that he’s still involved with The Phantom Pain, but didn’t talk about his future past that:
I want to reassure fans that I am 100% involved and will continue working on Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain; I’m determined to make it the greatest game I’ve directed to date. Don’t miss it!
Konami also confirmed that Metal Gear Online remains in development as normal.
Original Story:
Partially addressing the news of Hideo Kojima’s potential departure from the company, publisher Konami issued a statement on their website today.
First up, they confirmed that Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is still scheduled to release on September 1 in North America and Europe, with Hideo Kojima remaining involved “throughout.”
As the new Metal Gear Twitter account put it, “Despite rumors, MGSV:TPP-written, designed, directed & produced by Mr. Kojima is still on track. The team’s hard at work. Pls support them!”
However, Konami does add that they’ve decided to create a new Metal Gear title, with hiring for the main staff going on right now. This suggests Kojima Productions won’t be behind the new Metal Gear game, but it’s possible it could be a spin-off, like Metal Gear Rising was.
Here’s Konami’s full statement, which doesn’t say if Kojima will remain with the company after The Phantom Pain:
Thank you for your continued patronage of KONAMI products and services.
The latest title in the METAL GEAR series, “METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN” (below, “MGSV: TPP”), will be released as planned starting on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 in North America, Latin America, and Europe, followed by Japan and Asia on Wednesday, September 2. Hideo Kojima will remain involved throughout.
In addition, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. will continue to develop and distribute top-quality content in the METAL GEAR series following “MGSV: TPP.” We greatly anticipate and deeply appreciate your ongoing support for METAL GEAR.
As the next step in the series, KONAMI has already resolved to develop a new “METAL GEAR” title.
We will be conducting auditions for main staff to lead the development.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact us to via the recruitment page of the KONAMI official website.
If you have any questions or concerns, please submit an inquiry via the “Contact Us” page.
What do you think of Konami’s response?
