Kojima Likely to Part Ways with Konami Following MGS5 Release

Earlier today Konami began removing the name of Kojima Productions from most of it's promotional material, social media accounts and various public listings. Additionally, Hideo Kojima himself was removed from the publisher's executive team. Naturally this sparked much speculation that Kojima was on the way out from Konami, speculation that since been all but publicly confirmed.

Inside sources have told of various power struggles between Kojima Productions and Konami, leading to many restricted privileges. Ostensibly reducing most of Kojima Productions to contractors until such a time as they are finished working on the upcoming Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. The source has said that "After we finish MGSV, Mr. Kojima and upper management will leave Konami. They said their contract ends in December." There was also this eye-rollingly go-nowhere statement from Konami themselves:
"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."
Only time will tell what effect this will have on the Metal Gear series going forward. One can scarcely imagine what would be done with it without Kojima's colorful mind guiding it. The details of what induced this extraordinary situation are sure to come out over the following weeks, months and perhaps even years.