One of the most celebrated and legendary game developers, having overseen the recently released "Metal Gear Solid: Phantom Pain", Hideo Kojima has announced that he is parting ways with Konami. The announcement has been welcomed by the gaming community and developers worldwide.
Kojima also announced he would be teaming up with Sony following the termination of his contract with his previous employer, and the two would make not just a new game but a "new franchise with PlayStation," promising players "innovative gaming experience" and an "edgy" game.
He also announced this would be realised with the help of his new independent studio, Kojima Productions, where he will be joined by former Metal Gear Solid artist Yoji Shinkawa and producer Kenichiro Imaizumi, IGN reported.
Kojima was flooded with messages of support, with many wishing him luck from around the world. He replied with the post below:
In an interview to IGN following this big announcement, Kojima revealed he wanted to create something fans expect and something that has not been seen before — a "complete game."
Skinkawa noted that the franchise could feature beloved and recognisable characters and could go beyond the created characters.
Kojima revealed that though this new company will be concentrating on video games, the long-term plans would be beyond video game development, with a "focus" on digital content, including "movies, animations, anything".
He reiterated his commitment to work with fantasy filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro ("Pan's Labyrinth" and "Pacific Rim"), and it does not matter what it is, be in video game, movies, animations or something else.
He revealed that Kojima Productions would give him "more agility" and allow him to do "more edgy things" and deal with "new challenges and exploring new areas".
Kojima also revealed a new logo for his company — an ornate skull covered with a helmet of either a medieval knight or an astronaut.
Kojima also confided that he has not decided on the game engine that will be used in the newly announced production.
