Hideo Kojima has issued a joint statement in conjuction with publisher Konami on reports yesterday that he and other senior staff at Kojima Productions are to leave the company in December following completion of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain.
"I want to reassure fans that I am 100% involved and will continue working on METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN," he commented in the statement, as quoted by VideoGamer. "I'm determined to make it the greatest game I’ve directed to date. Don’t miss it!"
Yesterday an insider source claimed that senior developers were now effectively working as contractors on the game and had been restricted from using corporate communications and attending publicity events.
The move came after Konami rebranded many Metal Gear Solid related sites and promotional tools, and even an office complex in LA.
Earlier today, Konami announced plans to recruit new developers to continue the Metal Gear Solid series after The Phantom Pain.
