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(RUMOR) - Hideo Kojima is on the outs with Konami, will depart after MGS5PP

An insider claims that Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima is on his way out, following rumors that circulated this morning.

A source inside Konami reportedly claims that these rumors are tied to an apparent in-house power struggle between the Metal Gear team and Konami, characterized by the senior staff’s restricted access to internet, email, and phone. Additionally, Kojima will have limited opportunities to appear in Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain promotions. It is also said that the entire MGS development team are essentially working as contractors, not full time staff, which could mean that the entire management team will disband shortly after the Phantom Pain project is completed.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, states: "After we finish MGSV, Mr. Kojima and upper management will leave Konami. They said their contract ends in December."

It’s looking like these reports might be true, as Konami has begun removing the Kojima Productions logo from all official Metal Gear art, along with the Twitter and official Metal Gear websites. Hideo Kojima himself was taken off the Konami’s executive team. Fans noticed the missing art which began the speculation.

A statement from Konami on the matter states:

"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."

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is expected to release in September for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC.