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General and Gaming => General => Topic started by: gf78 on December 15, 2015, 02:47:34 pm

Title: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: gf78 on December 15, 2015, 02:47:34 pm
http://www.polygon.com/2015/12/15/10220372/hideo-kojima-new-studio-leaves-konami (http://www.polygon.com/2015/12/15/10220372/hideo-kojima-new-studio-leaves-konami)

"Metal Gear series creator Hideo Kojima has officially left Konami as of Dec. 15, according to a report from Japan's Nikkei.

According to Nikkei, Kojima is establishing a new studio and is in talks with PlayStation maker Sony Computer Entertainment.


In October, The New Yorker reported that Kojima was leaving Konami and that his non-compete clause would end in December. Konami refuted the report, saying that Kojima was still an employee.

Kojima's relationship with Konami began to show strain in March, when the publisher announced a corporate restructuring and removed Kojima Productions' branding from Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain promotional materials. The following month, Konami canceled Kojima's collaboration with Guillermo del Toro, Silent Hills, suggesting further turmoil. Later, in July, Kojima Productions was reportedly disbanded.

Polygon has reached out to Konami for comment on Nikkei's report and will update with any new details."


So much for the Microsoft rumors.   :P
Title: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: kmacdw on December 15, 2015, 02:47:57 pm
"After a year full of rumors, the Kojima/Konami saga appears to be coming to a close, with the Japanese newspaper Nikkei reporting that Hideo Kojima’s time with the company has finally ended.

The legendary designer, best known for developing the Metal Gear Solid series, will reportedly start his own studio with other former Konami staff. Nikkei reports that Kojima and crew are in negotiations with Sony to debut their first game on PlayStation platforms, according to a translation by NeoGAF user Zefah (and corroborated by Japanese-speaking Wired editor Chris Kohler.)

This news comes after a seemingly endless saga of reports about Konami mistreating Kojima. Earlier this month, Game Awards host Geoff Keighley fired shots at Konami for not letting the celebrated game designer come to Los Angeles and accept an award for his most recent game, Metal Gear Solid V. We’ve reached out to Konami many, many times for comment on all this, and we pinged them again today about this news.

You may have seen a GameSpot tweet and report suggesting that Kojima is forming a studio with Sony; that report is based on a mistranslation and is not what Nikkei reported."

Sauce: http://kotaku.com/report-kojima-finally-leaves-konami-to-start-his-own-s-1748162428

Glad he's starting his own studio. I wouldn't be surprised to see his studio work similar to Platinum; offering exclusives for each platform.
Title: Re: Kojima officially leaves Konami: In Talks with Sony Computer Entertainment!!!
Post by: desocietas on December 15, 2015, 02:48:48 pm
Haha, this and this other topic: http://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,6718.0/topicseen.html

were created within seconds of each other. Maybe an admin can merge them?
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: ignition365 on December 15, 2015, 02:51:38 pm
Could happen.  Inafune-san does that exact thing.  I could also see this simply as, his first day being able to try to find a publisher and Sony happens to be the first company he is speaking with, or at least the first company we are hearing about.  Time will tell I'm sure.
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: rayne315 on December 15, 2015, 03:02:57 pm
I personally do not care which company Kojima ends up with wether that be sony, Nintendo, or Microsoft, but one thing is for certain whoever gets Kojima will see a large bump in system sales on the announcement and whenever his first game gets released. if not more often than that.
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: gf78 on December 15, 2015, 03:06:03 pm
It makes the most sense for Kojima to partner with Sony.  Sony has consistently shown they are willing to take chances on new IPs throughout their 21 years of PlayStation.  Hideo would most likely be given his own, new studio and if Sony has the slightest hint of intelligence in their head, they will do their best to get him exclusively for a long, long time.

And anyone thinking Kojima's next game-whatever platform(s) it ends up on-is going to be a stealth game is nuts.  He's been creatively burned out for over a decade, saying that "this is my last Metal Gear game" since MGS2.  Konami kept roping him back into it.  I expect something completely different for his first post-Konami title.
Title: Re: Kojima officially leaves Konami: In Talks with Sony Computer Entertainment!!!
Post by: kashell on December 15, 2015, 03:24:27 pm
I'm not surprised. Konami started "actin' a fool" and things like this were bound to happen.
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: ignition365 on December 15, 2015, 03:26:32 pm
It makes the most sense for Kojima to partner with Sony.  Sony has consistently shown they are willing to take chances on new IPs throughout their 21 years of PlayStation.  Hideo would most likely be given his own, new studio and if Sony has the slightest hint of intelligence in their head, they will do their best to get him exclusively for a long, long time.

And anyone thinking Kojima's next game-whatever platform(s) it ends up on-is going to be a stealth game is nuts.  He's been creatively burned out for over a decade, saying that "this is my last Metal Gear game" since MGS2.  Konami kept roping him back into it.  I expect something completely different for his first post-Konami title.
Kojima already started his own studio, he's either looking for a publisher, talking exclusivity, etc.

I think Kojima still wants to go into the survival horror area.
Title: Re: Kojima officially leaves Konami: In Talks with Sony Computer Entertainment!!!
Post by: scarface88fg on December 15, 2015, 03:26:42 pm
It's about freakin' time Kojima left...
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: gf78 on December 15, 2015, 03:31:53 pm
Kojima already started his own studio, he's either looking for a publisher, talking exclusivity, etc.

I think Kojima still wants to go into the survival horror area.

Whatever the man and his associates decides to make, I'm sure it will be entertaining.  Snatcher, Policenauts, Metal Gear, Boktai and Zone of the Enders were all fantastic and/or highly regarded.  The first Castlevania Lords of Shadow that he had a hand in was great.

On a side note, anyone remember those pictures that were tweeted with Kojima and Sony's Yushida? 
Title: Re: Kojima officially leaves Konami: In Talks with Sony Computer Entertainment!!!
Post by: gf78 on December 15, 2015, 03:47:30 pm
Konami had a gag order on him.  Now that he is free, I hope to see an interview where he can tell his side of the story. 

The implosion of Konami has been nothing short of spectacular.  From a business standpoint, I can see that their electronic games division isn't making the money it used to and the lure of cheap mobile games and pachinko machines is alluring to investors and shareholders. 

But I'm kina numb at this point.  The Konami I know and loved since the NES days is gone.  No more Contra.  No more Castlevania.  No more Metal Gear.  No more Silent Hill.  No more everything they made that was good. 
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: argyle on December 15, 2015, 04:25:35 pm
It makes the most sense for Kojima to partner with Sony.  Sony has consistently shown they are willing to take chances on new IPs throughout their 21 years of PlayStation.  Hideo would most likely be given his own, new studio and if Sony has the slightest hint of intelligence in their head, they will do their best to get him exclusively for a long, long time.

And anyone thinking Kojima's next game-whatever platform(s) it ends up on-is going to be a stealth game is nuts.  He's been creatively burned out for over a decade, saying that "this is my last Metal Gear game" since MGS2.  Konami kept roping him back into it.  I expect something completely different for his first post-Konami title.
Kojima already started his own studio, he's either looking for a publisher, talking exclusivity, etc.

I think Kojima still wants to go into the survival horror area.

Yep, I fully expect the next news we hear about this to be about Guillermo Del Toro working with him again.
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: kamikazekeeg on December 15, 2015, 04:26:20 pm
Where ever he goes, we can expect some interesting games.  I'm curious what he'll want to do first.  Maybe we'll get that survival horror game, just altered to remove anything familiar to Silent Hill, but still just as messed up and twisted.
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: aliensstudios on December 15, 2015, 04:38:25 pm
This is excellent news!
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: kmacdw on December 15, 2015, 04:42:08 pm
I honestly expect him to do what Platinum are doing and make different deals with the different platforms.

We may see a survival horror game pop up as an XONE exclusive (rumored).

We may see a ZOE spiritual successor pop up as an NX exclusive (he's long wanted to make a 3rd ZOE game).

We may see something new entirely show up on PS4.

I'm not saying he won't make some multi-platform titles somewhere down the line but initially he'd be a fool not the play the platforms off against each other and have each company drive a truckload of cash up to his front door and beg him for a game for their platform.
Title: Re: Kojima officially leaves Konami: In Talks with Sony Computer Entertainment!!!
Post by: karyann on December 15, 2015, 06:00:40 pm
Haha, this and this other topic: http://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,6718.0/topicseen.html

were created within seconds of each other. Maybe an admin can merge them?

Done  :P Seconds indeed, that was a very close one haha.


Back on topic, that's great news! I was afraid of what would happen to gaming without Kojima, so it's all safe now  :D
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: ignition365 on December 16, 2015, 08:17:25 am
http://kotaku.com/its-official-hideo-kojima-is-working-with-sony-on-a-ps-1748265892

http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/12/16/kojima-and-sony-officially-announce-partnership
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: gf78 on December 16, 2015, 08:54:16 am
http://kotaku.com/its-official-hideo-kojima-is-working-with-sony-on-a-ps-1748265892

http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/12/16/kojima-and-sony-officially-announce-partnership

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.

"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."

Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: turom on December 16, 2015, 11:07:04 am
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CWW-mmZUAAAdImk.png:large)
Title: Re: Kojima officially leaves Konami: In Talks with Sony Computer Entertainment!!!
Post by: gf78 on December 16, 2015, 11:20:14 am
Done  :P Seconds indeed, that was a very close one haha.

Back on topic, that's great news! I was afraid of what would happen to gaming without Kojima, so it's all safe now  :D

LOL...seconds.  Literally.

OT, I breathed a big sigh of relief when I saw Kojima has moved on, started his own Kojima Productions and has partnered with Sony for an exclusive.  Sony really is the best partner for him as they have a long history of working with Kojima.  I would love to see that partnership continue and grow to encompass more titles, even if future games are multiplatform. 
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: kashell on December 16, 2015, 11:27:04 am
Anyone else hoping for a  Suikoden (or something equivalent) VI? Either way, I expect great things from him.
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: gf78 on December 16, 2015, 12:08:35 pm
Thought this was funny....

(http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/955/706/7a0.gif)
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: kashell on December 16, 2015, 12:10:36 pm
That is awesome. And true.

That kitty is adorable and I want to hug him and squeeze him and name him George.
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: gf78 on December 16, 2015, 12:14:08 pm
That is awesome. And true.

That kitty is adorable and I want to hug him and squeeze him and name him George.

LOL.   :P
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: kmacdw on December 16, 2015, 05:23:43 pm
Anyone else hoping for a  Suikoden (or something equivalent) VI? Either way, I expect great things from him.
Yay someone thinking what I'm thinking.

The saddest thing is that a few months back a report emerged that they'd been working on Suikoden VI but shelved it due to their business shifting focus :(
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: gf78 on December 17, 2015, 06:44:46 am
I think for all intents and purposes, the only game we will see from Konami is PES. They've shelved everything else and all of their talented developers have left.

Konami has stated how important their franchises are and that they will continue to make games, but they've also lied their asses off this whole year about what's happening with Kojima.
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: kmacdw on December 17, 2015, 07:59:05 am
I think for all intents and purposes, the only game we will see from Konami is PES. They've shelved everything else and all of their talented developers have left.

Konami has stated how important their franchises are and that they will continue to make games, but they've also lied their asses off this whole year about what's happening with Kojima.
Oh we'll see plenty of games from Konami but they'll be mobile games. With each one feeling like a dagger through the heart to every fan of their former glory :(

I'd love to see their IPs sold off. MGS not so much, I think its ran its course.

However I'd love to see Suikoden and Vandal Hearts go to Square or Sega (Atlus).

I'd love to see Castlevania go to any of the decent publishers and have them attach Platinum Games to develop.

Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: ignition365 on December 17, 2015, 08:12:41 am
I think for all intents and purposes, the only game we will see from Konami is PES. They've shelved everything else and all of their talented developers have left.

Konami has stated how important their franchises are and that they will continue to make games, but they've also lied their asses off this whole year about what's happening with Kojima.
Oh we'll see plenty of games from Konami but they'll be mobile games. With each one feeling like a dagger through the heart to every fan of their former glory :(

I'd love to see their IPs sold off. MGS not so much, I think its ran its course.

However I'd love to see Suikoden and Vandal Hearts go to Square or Sega (Atlus).

I'd love to see Castlevania go to any of the decent publishers and have them attach Platinum Games to develop.
Nah, Konami plans on making new games of all of these franchises...

as pachinko machines.
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: kashell on December 17, 2015, 09:27:43 am
Anyone else hoping for a  Suikoden (or something equivalent) VI? Either way, I expect great things from him.
Yay someone thinking what I'm thinking.

The saddest thing is that a few months back a report emerged that they'd been working on Suikoden VI but shelved it due to their business shifting focus :(

That's news to me. Do you recall where you heard that?
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: kmacdw on December 17, 2015, 10:03:07 am
Anyone else hoping for a  Suikoden (or something equivalent) VI? Either way, I expect great things from him.
Yay someone thinking what I'm thinking.

The saddest thing is that a few months back a report emerged that they'd been working on Suikoden VI but shelved it due to their business shifting focus :(

That's news to me. Do you recall where you heard that?
It was a few months ago. It wasn't an article in itself, it was mentioned in an article on what was going on at Konami. Could have been any of the usual gaming news outlets.

EDIT.

I found something on it.

"Production on new games in series such as LovePlus, Tokimeki Memorial, and Suikoden has reportedly halted. LovePlus and Tokimeki Memorial producer Akari Uchida resigned in March."

Source: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-08-03/nikkei-reports-on-konami-restructuring-dissolution-of-kojima-productions/.91229

The article I read at the time specifically said early work on a new Suikoden had been shelved.
Title: Re: Report: Kojima Finally Leaves Konami To Start His Own Studio
Post by: kashell on December 17, 2015, 10:50:59 am
Anyone else hoping for a  Suikoden (or something equivalent) VI? Either way, I expect great things from him.
Yay someone thinking what I'm thinking.

The saddest thing is that a few months back a report emerged that they'd been working on Suikoden VI but shelved it due to their business shifting focus :(

That's news to me. Do you recall where you heard that?
It was a few months ago. It wasn't an article in itself, it was mentioned in an article on what was going on at Konami. Could have been any of the usual gaming news outlets.

EDIT.

I found something on it.

"Production on new games in series such as LovePlus, Tokimeki Memorial, and Suikoden has reportedly halted. LovePlus and Tokimeki Memorial producer Akari Uchida resigned in March."

Source: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-08-03/nikkei-reports-on-konami-restructuring-dissolution-of-kojima-productions/.91229

The article I read at the time specifically said early work on a new Suikoden had been shelved.

Thanks for finding that for us.