Hideo Kojima and Konami appeared to have finally gone their separate ways. According to the Nikkei, it appears Hideo Kojima has finally left Konami and is set to start his own video game studio. Mr. Kojima is looking to start the new studio of his own with other former Kojima Productions staffers. He took to his Twitter account to announce the news saying:
“My employment contract with Konami has been terminated as of Dec 15th, so today marks a new start for me. I’m commited to be involved in creative activities for as long as I live. Look forward to what’s coming.”
The new Studio will be under the Kojima Productions name, but will have a new logo. It was also announced the first game coming from the new Kojima Productions will be exclusive to Playstation. Sony Computer Entertainment President and CEO, Andrew House announced a partnership with Kojima productions (posted in the video below) calling the new deal “a new partnership with one of the most celebrated game developers in history.” It remains to be seen whether the new game will be a true console exclusive or a timed exclusive similar to Rise of the Tomb Raider.