Metal Gear series creator Hideo Kojima has officially moved on from Konami and has started a new independent studio. Kojima's new studio has a familiar name: Kojima Productions.
The new Kojima Productions' first title will be a new franchise and a PlayStation 4 console exclusive, according to a joint announcement with Sony Computer Entertainment.
Kojima announced his new post-Konami endeavor in a video posted to the official PlayStation YouTube channel.
"PlayStation's history is one of game innovation and great new franchises," said Andrew House, President and Global CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc, in a release. "Hideo Kojima has been a huge part of that history, and we are therefore delighted that he has chosen to bring his brand new project to life in partnership with PlayStation. We look forward to working with him on an exciting new game and warmly welcome him to the PlayStation family."
"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 Hideo Kojima, game designer, Kojima Productions. "I cannot wait to deliver, with PlayStation, a game that will become a compelling franchise."
Earlier today, Japan's Nikkei reported that Kojima's final day at Konami was Dec. 15 and that he was establishing a new studio.
Kojima himself confirmed that story on Twitter in a statement announcing his official departure from Konami.
"My employment contract with Konami has been terminated as of Dec 15th, so today marks a new start for me," Kojima tweeted. "I'm committed to be involved in creative activities for as long as I live. Look forward to what's coming."
For now, Kojima Productions has a new website and a new logo.
Comments
sigh… bye bye future PC Kojima games
By Alexander Dockham on 12.16.15 1:04am
Not necessarily – some Sony-owned games have made it to the platform in the past. And it might help turn a profit on his games if they stay as high-budget as they were with Konami (unless Sony wants his stuff as loss-leaders to get them to choose PS over XB).
By Pomguo on 12.16.15 1:23am
What games other than SOE games have made it to PC?
By Corruption on 12.16.15 9:38am
Other than Helldivers, I can’t think of any.
By Dac2142 on 12.16.15 7:56pm
Well notice it says "console exclusive"
By Deader2818 on 12.16.15 1:26am
I don’t think this was ever confirmed. I expect Polygon to post a reaction update soon, as they often do.
By darthangel310 on 12.16.15 7:41am
Read the video’s description.
By MassiveDisturb on 12.16.15 2:42pm
It would make sense for a new company, with a new IP, to focus on one platform and moreover one willing to help promote them, so they can establish themselves. Even if staffed by veterans, it’s a good way to mitigate financial risk.
By DarkOwl on 12.16.15 1:37am
I’m really hoping this is just a once off to get the new studio off the ground. I hate seeing multiplatform developers/franchises go back into exclusivity.
By BikerDykeFromMars on 12.16.15 6:18am
KojiPro had only been multi platform over the last few years though… He’s used to working exclusively with Sony so it only makes sense to continue that relationship.
By Mixer23 on 12.16.15 6:31am
MGS 2, MGS 3, MGS4 was Playstation exclusive, MGS Peace walker was originally a PSP exclusive before all of those (except 4) were released on other consoles as part of the HD collection. The only multiplat release at launch was Ground Zeroes, HD collection, and V. Kojipro was basically a playstation exclusive developer for a long time, MGS4 even had jokes about how much better the blu-ray player on the PS3 was than the DVD drive on the xbox.
By Dac2142 on 12.16.15 7:59pm
It’s a partnership, but Kojima Productions is still independent, they could go multi-platform in the future.
By Lord_Santa on 12.16.15 2:44am
They’ve already confirmed in the press release that the title(s) will release on PC. It’s only exclusive to PlayStation.
By Hudson on 12.16.15 8:37am
According to Kotaku, his new name will be coming to PC after all.
By GeoffMan on 12.16.15 11:34am
it’s already been confirmed that it’s a time exclusive and would be released on PC as well.
Not to mention it’s a one francise deal with Sony. He’s staying totally independent.
I personally love how Sony is doing business with developers lately… doing what they need to do to get great titles on the PS4 without being controlling about it.
By PlsIKnowNothing on 12.17.15 6:08am
Andrew House speaks Japanese really well, I can’t believe I never knew that
By dropkickpikachu on 12.16.15 1:07am
Yeah; holy shit. That was a pleasant surprise.
By Flesseck on 12.16.15 1:14am
That sounded seriously impressive. I wonder at what age he started to learn it?
By JohnnyWalker2K1 on 12.16.15 1:51am
Well, he started working for Sony Computer in Tokyo in 1990. Even with the move to SCEA, I imagine he still worked closely with Japanese partners.
By Ostrake on 12.16.15 10:21am
This was very awesome indeed.
By todorov on 12.16.15 6:00am
That was quick. Guess Sony and Kojima just decided to announce it as soon as they were legally allowed to once Nikkei leaked it.
By Phil Caron on 12.16.15 1:10am
They kind of have to announce once it is leaked to press. Various laws, if they don’t announce within a specific period they can’t talk for six months.
By Lomifeh on 12.16.15 10:50am
Gotta say, I’m impressed at how fluent a Japanese speaker Andrew House is!
Also, Kojima calling his new studio "Kojima Productions" is just the best fuck you to Konami.
By Samit Sarkar on 12.16.15 1:18am
I guess he could have gone further, like Kojinami Productions or Fuckonami Productions?
By ak-blanc on 12.16.15 2:59am
The only other one that would have been better would be "7780’s"
By Hudson on 12.16.15 8:20am