Metal Gear video game series creator Hideo Kojima has officially parted ways with game publisher and developer Konami, and has established an independent studio named Kojima Productions. The newly-formed studio's first game will be exclusive for Sony PlayStation 4 (PS4).
Kojima has worked for with Konami since 1986, but rumors have been surfacing for a few months that he has left the company. However, a previous report stated that Konami confirmed that Kojima has not left but was on a long vacation after finishing developments of Metal Gear Solid V.
Kojima confirmed via a tweet that he has left Konami as of Dec. 15.
FREE AT LAST, FREE AT LAST, THANK GOD ALMIGHTY WE ARE FREE AT LAST @HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN pic.twitter.com/UIrZkWp3AN
— frankincense and fyr (@Fyrasec) December 16, 2015
In a separate statement, Kojima also announced a new collaboration with Sony PlayStation.
"I will be taking on a new challenge by establishing my own independent studio, and I am thrilled to be able to embark on this journey with PlayStation, who I have continued to work with all these past years," said Kojima. "I cannot wait to deliver, with PlayStation, a game that will become a compelling franchise."
Sony also released a video on YouTube that shows Andrew House, the president and Global CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., talking about the new collaboration with Kojima Productions.
"The first software title created by the newly formed Kojima Productions will be console exclusive to PlayStation 4," per Sony PlayStation's YouTube Channel.
Metal Gear series created by Kojima has been widely praised in the video game industry. Kojima created the original Metal Gear that debuted in Japan and Europe in 1987. Since then, Kojima has been involved with the development of many game titles in the franchise. The last one was Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, which was globally released in September this year on various gaming platforms.
Following the departure of Kojima, Metal Gear Solid rights will remain with Konami and the game developer will continue to develop new games in the franchise.
Check out the video released by PlayStation.
