Famous Developer Kojima Leaving Konami, Founding New Company

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

[dirkdady]

Forming new studio and in talks with Sony per Japanese major newspaper.
Pic of kojima and mark together recently - foreshadowing?
http://nerdist.com/wp-conte...

Sony, Adam Boyes, Shu give this man all the money he needs!
Can we expect a Sirens or Syphon Filter reboot or new IP all together?

If u don't know siren check this out:
http://youtu.be/_EI0xhyXE0g
http://youtu.be/DOyLREtD5iw

[MightyNoX]

Sony's Kojima"s best choice. They're generous with their budget and encourage new IPs...unlike Microsoft.

@YinYang: Must've missed the part where Naughty Dog is renamed 'Uncharted Productions' or Guriella into 'Killzone Factory'

I look forward to playing Shangheist.

[YinYangGaming]

As a playstation & kojima fan for years and years I agree wholeheartedly with the first part of what you said but the second part about Microsoft you went full fanboy... Never go full fanboy

[Gazondaily]

He cant help it Ying :P

Would be a massive coup for Sony though and a more natural fit I imagine.

[Mikefizzled]

Meanwhile in Microsoft's 2016 publishing lineup:
Quantum Break
ReCore
Scalebound
Sea of Thieves
Cobalt
The real reason Sony is his best choice is because Microsoft doesn't have any experience assisting with setting up studios in Japan. He would do much better in Tokyo with support from SCE Japan studio.

[dirkdady]

Mike,

I disagree that is the "real" reason if he truly is joining SCE as its yet to be confirmed. That may be part of the reason but I think it's mainly about the goo relationship that exists and sonys world class new studio incubation program along with pub fund and other programs.

Regarding ur list honestly all of those are sort of iffy if they will truly turn out good with some exception to quantum break. Loved Alan wake but it wasn't critically acclaimed Scored in the 80s on meta and the whole TV show intertwining is sort of suspect. Optimistically positive though.

[Gazondaily]

@drik

"Hmmm all of those are sort of iffy"

Sort of iffy eh?

"Optimistically positive though."

You sure don't sound optimistic lol. Sounds pretty forced tbh.

[dirkdady]

Optimistic about quantum break. I spent many hours in the world of Alan wake, truly did a fine job of fleshing out a place like twin peaks down to the zany dinner and odd hillbilly characters. The enemies and combat did get repetitive with the flashlight and shadow people.

The story was intriguing delving into the psyche of the writer(Alan) as he decends into.. Well I won't spoil that part. Probably one of the first titles to use pick up audio logs (novel pages in this case) to drive some of the narrative.

[nX]

I couldn't imagine any better place than SCEJA for him, hopefully Sony approaches him properly.

[Gamer4News]

Sony got just the perfect game for him and del Toro to make: a new Siren game. They can call it: Siren Hills.

[Death]

Why would Kojima have to join any first party development team? Kojima is more than capable of being an independent developer. He may need a publisher like Bungie did to make high budget games, but he doesn't need to become an employee of Sony to be successful.

[Bansai]

Guys, he's not going into sony's camp, that was just translatic mishap.

It just says he's going to work on gaming consoles such as SONY's.

[ScorpiusX]

The question he needs to ask of Sony is are they going to let him keep his IPS, so whenever this so called deal goes south he has properties to work with

[dirkdady]

Yikes!

Kojima was suppose to have announced his partnership with Sony at end of PSX per PS Nation. They did tweet out right after PSX that there was suppose to have been an announcement at the end but was pulled.

http://www.psnation.com/201...

[Zeref]

Uh lol. Sony can't afford to be generous. If we're talking budget, Microsoft can offer them much more. Kojima is known to require huge budgets.

Sony is the best place for him in terms of culture. But when it comes to budget Microsoft is where he needs to be.

[annoyedgamer]

You Sony fanboys just cant help youself can you..Microsoft has nothing to to with this.

[NewMonday]

if Sony don't tie him up they are nuts

THEY!
ARE!
NUTS!

Sony should give him control of all Japan Studio

they didn't take the opportunity with Sakaguchi and the Platinum Games talent when they left Capcom, I'm afraid they will let this one get away.

[Halo2ODST2]

You're very honest, don't see much of that on N4G.

[Utalkin2me]

@Mikefizzled
How about the decade and half before that?

[3-4-5]

@ Septic. This isn't highlander.....There can be more than one good company.

[dcbronco]

Anyone believing Sony is the better choice is crazy. Yes its a Japanese company, but Japanese games have to sell in the West to really make a profit. And this is a situation where the $ sign clowns like to add to Microsoft's name actually means something. They can throw far more of it at the problem than Sony.

But the biggest reason he should go to Microsoft is leverage. At Sony he can get some money and they will give him some flexibility. But there will be limits because they can't afford to lose but so much money. Microsoft on the other hand would give him complete freedom and deal with substantial losses if need be just to avoid being shut out of for the gaming "street cred" that comes with having him. He could get far more out of Microsoft. Sony will only support a couple of $100 games. Microsoft would support ten to keep him.

[GribbleGrunger]

Phew ... for a moment there I thought you'd written 'Sirent Hills'.

[GameNameFame]

@dcbronco

Wow. lol. You are really losing it there...

"freedom" really? You say that after 12 halo games!!

-Bungie left because they wanted to work on something else.
-Epic said they want to stop working on Gears of War.
-Turn 12 is not allowed to make anything but Forza.

Lol...Sony cant afford to lose so much money? Is that why Sony is sponsoring so new IPs? Even as risky as "Dream".

Some people are just grasping desperately at straws.

[_-EDMIX-_]

lol though I agree with you for the most part, both Sony and MS have a focus on new IPs, Sony merely has a stronger focus on long term new IPs.

ie starting series vs MS making new IP that most times don't continue on to be anything other then a single title, not bad, but they don't have a history like Sony of starting new series every gen by a chunk of their teams. I see Sony being a likely bet based on their Japanese appeal.

[dcbronco]

Game I know you're probably a ten year old but let me explain something that will help you in life. People will throw money at something they want badly. Microsoft has a lot of money to throw. They spent a billion before One launched just getting the people to put together their Xbox Studios adventure and then dropped it like it was nothing only to spend over two billion buying Minecraft and immediately started talking about a movie for it. So they kinda have a lot of money to throw.

The other side of that is when someone is the thing wanted it gives them a thing called leverage. You might have seen an example of it when your favorite sports star wouldn't play for some reason. They wanted more money and had demands put in their contract. If you're a unique talent you can get all types of stuff like glow in the dark Frisbees. One female singer has what they call a rider, I think, that has stuff like I want a two pound bag of m & m's in my room at all times but only the green ones. Leverage can be awesome. But sad too.

Kojima has leverage. He can get pretty much what he wants.

Plus I think living in your fanboys bubble has made you forget Sony used to demand the IP of games it supported. That is truly taking away someone's freedom. And new IP, really? How many new AAA IPs has Sony released this year and for 2016, I think Microsoft is winning there.

[rainslacker]

And yet Sony also said this

" http://www.dualshockers.com...

"Four out of ten games make money, but Sony will always support talent."

Sometimes it's not about the money. Well, I'd imagine it always is, but Sony is not risk adverse...which is why they have so many successful IP's in their portfolio because sometimes you just have to take risks to find that next big thing.

Shu also says

"One of the things we always come back to when we’re looking at five potential projects is that we choose the team we believe in when we start working with a new team. That’s really really important."

Basically, they will support a title if they believe the team can deliver. It may not make money, but they believe in taking the risk.

Another article, although I don't know who said it, said,

"You don't make money making games, you make money shipping games".

What console is likely to ship more of a Kojima game?

Food for thought.

[GameNameFame]

@dcbronco

"I know you're probably a ten year old" After you said that, you said the something exactly a 10 year old would say.

Do you understand how business works? Do you understand what business model is? Do you understand what track record is?

Lol."MS has alot of money to throw"

Do you seriously think that is how the business works?

I am sorry, but this is just hilarious.

Way MS runs its studios and way Sony runs it is based on completely different business model. Look at its track record. MS will never allow its big successful studio to do anything else than make Halo, Gear, or Forza. 12 Halo games so far. That takes milking to new level.

And no business throws money around just because it can.

[Ezz2013]

Damn,i never thought this news would anger the fanboys this much
anyway,Sony keep push for new IPs all the time along with it knowen IPs

I don't know what kind of deal Sony have with him yet but no one is better than Sony when it comes to pushing new IPs.

[Dir_en_grey]

Holy sh!t Sony just released a video that Kojima is teaming w/ Sony!!!
https://t.co/Kbp9eaNDy6

[moparful99]

@DCBRONCO

How convenient that you use this year as a measure of new IP's from either Sony or Microsoft.

Sony has always spread their major releases out to give them room and space to matriculate on their own. Sony could have pushed Naughty Dog to finish Uncharted 3 for the ohhh so important holiday shopping season, but they didn't. Why do you think this is? It's because Sony releases games when they are ready and have the best chance at success.

For example God of War 2. This game was a huge title for Sony at the end of the most successful console cycle in the history of video games. Sony could have easily held that game over and made it an early PS3 title to help drive the system. But instead stuck with a PS2 launch to cater to the HUGE install base of the PS2. That game was super successful on the PS2 and helped Stig Assumusen become the Director for God of War 3, coincidentally a title that proved the PS3's potential and a key turning point in the previous generation.

Do you think Microsoft would have done so? I don't, given their track record they would have forced their studio to scrap the code and begin writing it for their new system so they could feature it as a bullet point in their always oversold sales pitches.

Microsoft has a history of only caring about sales and sales alone. That's why the best thing they ever did was get rid of Don Mattrick and put Phil Spencer in charge.

Phil is the man that Xbox has needed all along. He cares about games, he's truly a gamer, and most importantly he listens to and connects with his customers.

This kind of leadership has been sorely lacking within Microsoft for as long as the company has been in existence. they listen to and follow their board and stock holders more than the people buying their products.

These reasons are exactly why Sony is the better fit for Kojima than Microsoft will ever be not to mention the partnership and close relationship that Sony has enjoyed with Kojima since the 90's.

In this matter you are utterly wrong.

[nix]

i'm now here just to smile. :)

[Why o why]

I'm now here just to smile and wink;)

[Lifendz]

Sony doing their best to put that nail in MS' casket this generation. Great partnership. Excited to see what he creates now that he's free of Konami.

[RumbleFish]

I know, single console players tend to hope for Kojima to develop for their console of choice, but I don't hope for exclusives anymore. I hope for multiplats (including PC) that work great on either platform.
It's better for us all, when we can enjoy all the games on our favorite machine.

[dcbronco]

Game obviously you don't understand business. Microsoft said when they entered the gaming market they expected years of losses. But you don't think they will take losses to get Kojima. Why not? And regardless of how well PS4 is doing Sony isn't free to just spend away. They still have cashflow problems.

Rain, Sony can say they will support all they want. And they will support games to a limit. But to a limit because when it comes to money Sony has limits. Compared to Sony Microsoft relatively has no financial limits. Kojima likes to spend money. Going to Sony will only be slightly more financially liberating than being at Konami. You can say you will do anything you want, but if it cost a lot of money and you don't have enough you won't be doing it.

Moparful, you use a reply to a conversation about new IP to talk about how Sony could have done a lot of sequels. I'm not sure how that is relevant. Then you argue my point by saying how Microsoft is different under Phil Spencer and how you like the current guy in charge of Xbox because he is a real gamer and loves games. Thanks.

Microsoft has launched more new IP or will through 2016 than Sony has. They set aside an initial one billion dollars for games. They say they have additional IP for this year and going forward. Phil Spencer is a break from the past and will support Kojima. Rare isn't working on Kinect anymore. Let it go. It's in your best interest to learn to let things go in life and apply new information.

Kojima will sell more games on PS4. Because too many "gamers" will blindly support a brand before a quality game. Gamers say they don't like being marginalized by society but they let the worst people in the community act as gaming's voice. Fanboys are the Taliban, the nazis, the racist and sexist of gaming. Society doesn't need another tea party.

You say you want power but won't buy a PC. You want new IP but when Microsoft does that you won't support them. You love Kojima as long as he doesn't work for Microsoft. Just admit it, you don't love anything but the position you arbitrarily chose and will never consider reality. Good luck with that in the real world.

[Why o why]

DCb, you typed all that just to hide the fact you were wrong. I mean we all make mistakes but what thought patterns other than biased ones lead you to believe and state so adamantly MS were the best fit for Kojima... HONEST QUESTION... I mean I swear you were calling people 'crazy' and 'ten year olds' for disagreeing with you.

[rainslacker]

"Sony can say they will support all they want. And they will support games to a limit."

I agree. They will go to a certain limit.

But you seem to be implying that MS is limitless in what they can support just because they have boundless reserves of cash, which tends to disregard the fact that MS also sets limits on what they will support.

Both MS and Sony have limits imposed by investors and the board of directors which dictate they can spend on game production. Both companies have to weigh the pros and cons of supporting a project against another project.

MS, never, will simply throw untold amounts of cash at game development. They will budget a game in the same way as any other publisher, and Kojima will not get special treatment because of his status. He will be responsible for delivering, or else he will face contractual fallouts which would be bad for him. At best, his name and reputation give him the opportunity to get that money that's been reserved for game development, and it would take special permission to go above the budget that's been established, so it would have to be a sure fire profit venture, which Kojima's name simply can't guarantee.

Does Kojima like to spend money? I'm pretty sure he has to work within the budgets he's given. Just because he's given big budgets doesn't mean he's wasteful. I'd like to see some evidence that he doesn't appropriate the funds he's given properly. That's a pretty serious accusation to make against him. He was tasked to make MGSV and the Fox Engine. He was given budgets to do so. The scope of MGSV may have exceeded the budget, but it's pretty obvious he wasn't just given more money because of it.

Even at Sony, or MS if he was partnering with them, he's going to have limits imposed on him with his production. The idea of 100% complete freedom doesn't exist in $50-100 million budgets. The publisher will expect certain things, and the publisher will expect to have some input on the project because it is their money.

Sony may give more latitude for Kojima to implement his ideas will less interference, but it's laughable to think that Sony is just going to give him a big check and say, "See you in a couple years, be sure to get us a trailer for E3". No, it just doesn't happen like that in any game production unless it's self funded and published. If that's what Kojima wanted, then he wouldn't be partnering with any publisher...but then he wouldn't be making a AAA game.

Sony has their budgets for producing games each year appropriated by the board of directors. It's the responsibility of the people running studios or 3rd party relations to appropriate that money to projects they deem fit, in the amounts they feel will be worthwhile to the company. And again, MS is the exact same way. They do not just open check books because they can.

[pwnsause_returns]

Here we go! Kojima x PlayStation collab

I would like to see him reimagine siren, it's more in line with him with what he did with PT.

[BISHOP-BRASIL]

Silent Evil sound much, much better.

[solid_snake3656]

Silent Evil Gear

[UKmilitia]

the thing with him is this.
he is very talented but keeping his ideas within budget dont really work to well,so for Sony to take him on he would have to start budgeting better imo,Sony dont want another blackhole.

[dcbronco]

Exactly. Which is why Microsoft is a better fit. He can't count and they don't need to.

[GameNameFame]

At above,

wow, you are really going to break down over this.. arnt you?

I am guessing your job is not anything in professional level. If you ever even make it there, you will understand everything will have budget.

Lol. in the meantime, keep grasping that straw.

[gosukyomomma]

@dcbronco

you keep going on about how MS has all this money much more than sony....

So you with your logic could you please explain why MS decided to skimp out on the xbone design and make a less powerful console? i mean given the billions and all the money that you state ms has they would of created a dual gpu that would kill everything i mean they have all that money to do so havent they?...

Your one of those daft people that thinks more money someone has the better the person they are.

please stop your making yourself look stupid. a bit like a stupid 10 year old...

[MonsterChef]

@dcbronco so where is you expert assessment now? you ten year old, your responses have shown how little you actually know about how the real world functions. believing foolhardily that money equals success without using factual evidence, such as SONY's 20 years worth of risky new ips, to dictate a proper opinion and using only the narrative that more money equals more game genres as your only bullet point all the while ignoring the fact that Microsoft is only known as a fps generator.

[mechlord]

@dcbronco
i have a better one for you:

since MS has this infinite money tree, why didn't they bought out the ps business? or Sony whole, for that matter;
or paid sony to sell less consoles;
or subverted some of the first party studios
or...
and this
and that...
you can see where this is going, cant you?

[moparful99]

dcbronco is clearly an Xbox only kind of gamer. If he had any inclination at all toward Sony he would know that Sony and Kojima have had a very good functioning relationship since at least the 90's and that this collaboration has made Kojima a legend and very wealthy.

Kojima is the only reason that Konami has any relevancy in today's industry, so with that partnership forever shattered the obvious place is with Sony.

Also considering that his new studio is not owned by Sony shows that they respect him enough to have his own independent studio. Microsoft would have just backed a brinks truck up to his office and said "we're taking over" and proceed to control him the way Konami has for decades.

But alas he's (dcbronco) one of those that can't see past his own nose to realize that Kojima is exactly where he wants to be.

[Thatguy-310]

A siren game from him would be SICK!!!!

[Gamer4News]

Siren Hills?

[TwoForce]

@Death Kojima can handle himself. But Kojima has a long history with Sony, they both have a great relationship. Sony let their first party studios to do whatever they want. He don't need success from Sony, but he need a well established publisher that give him a full creative. That would be Sony.

[dinosaurcrossbow]

Exactly. Microsoft is the exact opposite. Forcing Rare to make Kinect games. Shame on them. Kojima should definitely be with Sony. It just feels right.

[PaleMoonDeath]

They'd better take care of my Koji!

E3 2016, wait for it.

[annoyedgamer]

They wont have anything to show by then. They will probably show a working title and even that is unlikely.

[Sunny_D]

This is true. If Kojima starts in January, there would only be less than 6 months of work being done. I'm pretty sure the first few months of the year are going to be him relocating, finding employees, brainstorming game ideas and becoming accustomed in general to the overall new atmosphere.

[UserNameIsNotTaken]

Please be true *_*

[AizenSosuke]

Sony+Kojima= Awesome tier!

[PC_60]

So you don't want his future games on any other platforms? how selfish

[TwoForce]

And do you know the history between Kojima and Sony ?

[2pacalypsenow]

Yeah you should also protest so Ps4 gets Halo and gears of war

[Ashraf89]

@2pacalypsenow... And Rise of Tomb Rider..

[ApolloTheBoss]

@2pacalypsenow what is this black magic you speak of??

[Pillsbury1]

I will follow you anywhere kojima-san.

[TwoForce]

@Zeref Microsoft didn't know and have relationships with Kojima. Sony and Kojima have a strong relationship from the beginning to this day. Sony First Party AAA is know for making new ip, so that would make scene for Kojima to join Sony.

[rainslacker]

I also believe Kojima is a bit of a Sony fan boy.:)

[showtimefolks]

Kojima and Sony are made for each other. David cage was gonna do one game with sony but he is working on his 3rd

Kojima will fall in love with freedom and support and just do ps exclusives

[ZombieKiller]

Well the first part of my wish seems to be coming true (Kojima talking to Sony for future plans)

Now only if the 2nd one comes true.

Konami pulls out of the industry (like they are apparently planning) gets financially desperate and sells the Metal Gear IP to Sony.

I swear to ^%$@ I'll never buy another console again other than Sony's if this comes true.....and probably eat my shoe.

[Crazyglues]

Thank god and F....U.... Konami.

[ZombieKiller]

Wish I could click that agree button more than once to that one Crazyglues.

[robtion]

Konami's response?

Sony banned from attending E3 2016! ;)

[BABY-JEDI]

The photo of Cerney & Kojima reminded me of a classic song.
' & they called it puppy lo-ove, that's the kin-da love we have' 😂
Awesome partnership in the making though 😉

[Tsar4ever01]

I hope Sony & Kojima's negotiations deals are that Sony doesn't buy Kojima's Productions but that Hideo's new company retains 100% creative independence and the DEAL is that Sony get first dibs all future projects for 6 months to a year before going mulitiplatform or at least Sony's hand picked Kojima's projects.

[ChristianTheAtheist]

Syphon Filter!! I had forgotten about Syphon Filter!

[extermin8or]

Ign be reporting that Sony just add it official. Kojima has setup an independent studio but has exclusivity deal with Sony.

[kenwonobi]

The biggest news this generation so far besides Virtual Reality.

[Shadowsteal]

Lets go Sony! Give Kojima the home he deserves.

[formanbradley]

But more importantly the TIME and MONEY he deserves... I'm looking at you, MGSV

[Shadowsteal]

I'm sure they will. On another note, there was tons of Sony product placement in MGSV, despite being a multi-platform title.

[PaleMoonDeath]

They have given TLG god knows how long, I'm sure they know Koji will deliver on the goods every time!

[Seraphim]

@ Twiggy.

I'm pretty sure TLG was shelved to focus work on Knack. Also I could be wrong but last I knew they're [Team Ico] a really small studio. Ico and Shadow weren't terribly expensive projects and despite it's length in the shadows, long forgotten, I doubt TLG will be either. Not to mention it's one of those games that Sony knows lifetime sales will pay for it's development but it's hardly going to be a huge money maker. Where as other games Sony throws money at, likely what Kojima will be working on probably have a rather large development crew, some brought it specifically for X title, are games that are likely to and expected to have financial success behind millions sold and possibly even mirco trans or dlc. Point of it is these are two incredibly different business models for Sony with two completely different expectations. That being said it's always frustrating when a new game from Ueda/Team Ico is announced then takes half a decade or longer to release. Think my pre-order for TLG was'09 when I had to cancel it this year to order the PS4 version on amazon.

[I3loggs24]

He got more time and money then he deserved from Konami and he flushed it down the toilet. The man is capable of making great games so i do hope he does a better job this time around in managing whatever his next project is.

[n4rc]

Giving people infinte time and money isnt smart business.. You need to be fiscally responsable and work within the budget given to you

[blackblades]

What are you talking, they made there on company not joining sony and the game there doing is time exclusive.

[Shadowsteal]

Man this comment hurts my grammatical feelings.

[badz149]

@shadowsteal

it tingles your grammatical sense?

[PhucSeeker]

Here Sony goes: https://www.youtube.com/wat...

[gameseveryday]

Incorrect translation. Abriael is right in reports. He is working on platforms which could be PlayStation. Does not mean exclusivity.

[DarkOcelet]

But if he talked with Sony then three things will happen..

1 - Timed exclusive like FFVII Remake

2 - A PS4 console exclusive but will come to PC

3 - Sony could buy the company he is making and making it full exclusive to the PS4.

[Abriael]

Actually, I semi-derped. There's a hidden part of Nikkei's article that says that Kojima is in talks with Sony for a debut on PlayStation of his new game.

That said, Gamestop's "forming a studio with Sony" is still hilarious.

[DigitalRaptor]

Yeah... the "first on PlayStation" is very likely here, considering Kojima's history with Sony, and P.T./Silent Hills originally only being a PS4 game.

[UltraNova]

If i was him I would definitly be in talks with Sony first to help form my new studio make an exclusive for them as a sign of good faith, get enough money and do a multiplatform game when i had enough while keeping everyone happy.

Just like From software's stradegy.

This way i would ensure my creative freedom while avoiding getting covered under corporate shit just like when under Konami.

That said, I really hope we get to see him expressing his creative, crazy ideas as soon as possible, preferably on Playstation where different is embraced.

[UserNameIsNotTaken]

But probably sony cause he has been friends with them since like.. Forever lol

[TwoForce]

You got that right.

[_-EDMIX-_]

Agreed. Could be PSVita and PS4

[Relientk77]

Good I bet he's happy to get outta there.

I hope Sony grabs him

[PaleMoonDeath]

V FOR VENGEANCE!

http://media.fyre.co/AyJoJ3...

[DarkOcelet]

Konami have ****ed up so hard by letting him go. Its their loss.

[_-EDMIX-_]

@Dark- not really. They can't afford him, they are not doing AAA console development anymore, its sorta not a loss to them.

If they are not doing AAA development, they don't actually need Kojima, thus.....not a loss.

Like I stated for months now regarding this issue, what is good for Kojima, is clearly not good for Konami.

Konami want mobile games.

Kojima wants AAA, or high detail games. He needs a huge budget, something Konami is making clear they don't wish to do anymore.

I think its just a mutual thing. Though I don't care for how Konami went about it, I don't really disagree with what they are doing, even as a long time Metal Gear fan.

They can risk going out of business making another MGS to the budget that was MGSV. Kojima doesn't want to cut corners.

Konami doesn't want AAA.

Its best to both of them, I don't see Konami begging for AAA HUGE budget games and praising Kojima or anything like that, so I can't really say they "messed up" as I assumed you mean..."messed up" lol

Its like I always say when listing a house, someone might be selling it due to their own personal issues, it might have legit nothing to do with the actual home as much as it might just have to do with their personal debt.

Thus...if I sold a house I use to own for 1 million, you might say I "messed up by letting it go" but consider what I let go, I couldn't afford and you may be able to.

It doesn't make you smart and me dumb, it merely means are situations are not the same. Sony is smart to get Kojima if this is indeed true because they have the money for such a thing, Kojima loves working on 1 platform etc, but that doesn't make Konami in that same respect dumb or messed up etc. They don't have the money for such a long development. I think this is a great thing Konami is going out of AAA console gaming, as if its not for them, best to not drag down great developers.

[DarkOcelet]

@EDMIX

Konami really 'messed up' because they not only lost Kojima but they lost their image with it. They disrespected him and tried to humiliate him but it all fired up back to them.

Yes, they will live on through their Pachinko crap but you cant undo the damage they did to their image, they went from one of the highly respected publishers in the industry to the worst POS publishers out there.

[_-EDMIX-_]

@Dark- I don't disagree that what they did was wrong as I stated.

" Though I don't care for how Konami went about it, I don't really disagree with what they are doing, even as a long time Metal Gear fan"

How much is it really going to hurt them? Consider again they are not doing AAA development anymore, they are doing mobile, so I'm legit not sure how much of a lost or even damage of an image Konami might have if you consider what they are doing next.

I'm sorry but people don't buy products based on such things. If someone in Japan likes some mobile game they make, I doubt they will suddenly not buy based on this situation.

I think you might be exaggerating it a bit too much, this is coming from a long time MGS fan too. Again...they are not doing AAA development anymore so what is "lost" of a publisher that isn't even doing those games any longer?

[Mikefizzled]

Can't wait for Konami's official comment on this.

"Kojima is still here working. Please buy our games. Please."

[YinYangGaming]

Polygon's said he's in talks with Sony but Nikkei don't say that, they say they expect a deal with sony because I mean who wouldn't? Sony & Kojima go together like pb & jelly

EDIT:

Apparently he's in final negotiations for his next title to release on PS hardware first, so a timed exclusivity deal with Sony - according to Gaf this is the best translation

[Forbidden_Darkness]

Exactly and considering its a new studio, they're going to need to get funding from somewhere.

[ShadowKnight]

Probably like SFV deal

[YinYangGaming]

Apparently it was referring to consoles specifically, so I imagine it will be more like Rise of the Tomb Raider's timed exclusivity deal

[ShadowKnight]

No way. Microsoft made that deal to counter Uncharted 4 in a article I read but Uncharted got delayed. I think Tomb Raider was way in development before Microsoft gave them money to make it a time exclusive. If Sony help fund the game it will be just like the SFV deal.

Guess will have to wait and see at E32016 to see what kind of deal it will be.

[YinYangGaming]

Just relaying the translation I saw on Gaf, apparently it's 'coming to PS hardware first before other consoles' could be NX also but I imagine also referring to Xbox One. It'll probably come to PC too after PS exclusivity but don't think it's like SFV deal or at least the Nikkei report doesn't provide anything saying it is

[jb227]

@yinyang

How would you assume the development of the actual game would be funded? Apparently in RotTR's case the game was being developed on Square's dime, MS paid for the marketing & publishing and potentially a relatively small sum beyond that, but the only thing for certain is that they didn't fund the full game otherwise it would never hit other platforms.

So if this seems to be potentially a RotTR situation, who would fund the actual game? Would it come straight from Kojima's pocket? That would seem a risky move even if he had the money to do it...if he had a publisher like CD has with Square, then they would be the one negotiating with Sony, not Kojima himself.

At this point it's really anyone's guess what this deal will entail, assuming it even goes through, but if Kojima had the funding for the game & he wants a multiplat, why even be in talks w/ Sony now? Also, looking at the Rise of the Tomb Raider deal for comparison, that deal wasn't finalized until a year before the release, but well after the game had started development, so I'm not sure why Kojima would be meeting w/ Sony before he actually even started on any kind of game. It would make more sense if he has the people & ideas to start a new game but he needs funding, which is why he went to Sony. I'd say the most likely is that Kojima plans to keep the IP for a potential sequel multiplat release, but this is sounding more like a full third party exclusive kind of deal where the third party may retain the IP a la something like Ryse. It's anyone's guess at this point but it's at least as likely that this will be a PS console exclusive as it is that it'll be a timed one judging by the circumstances.

[Herbalistic]

I could very much see Kojima being in talks with Sony being as he really does love the Playstation brand

[Neonridr]

If that is true, it's a big win for Sony.

[Bahamut]

Yep, huge!

[-Foxtrot]

Hopefully Kojima will create "Silent Hills" at Sony under a different name.

I want it to be a name which sounds an awful lot like Silent Hill to really have a gut punch towards Konami.

Even after if he decides to create a stealth franchise like MGS...something which sounds like it so he can troll them

[Immorals]

Loud Mounds?

Kinda sounds like a porn though..

[Gamer4News]

>Hopefully Kojima will create "Silent Hills" at Sony under a different name.

>Loud Mounds?

Nope. Siren Hills. You do remember Sony have a horror series call Siren, don't you?

[-Foxtrot]

Silent Village

Judging by the trailer with Norma Reedus, you could easily set the game within a nice, cosy little village. In the middle of no where, enough to explore open world. Then if it gets a sequel "Silent City" or "Silent Peaks" (Twin Peaks inspired)

Imagine having a theme like this for the game :D

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

As for MGS...I don't know

Platinum Cog Solid lol

@Gamer4News

I'd rather see Kojima create a new franchise with his own selected name. Yeah I would like a new Siren game but I'd rather see Kojima do his own thing

[Immorals]

@Foxtrot

Reminded me of the film with that crap twist at the end.

Knowing how Kojima likes to troll, it'd be perfect!

[Akuma2K]

@Immorals

LOL @ loud mounds....that gave me a good laugh, bubble for you.

[Parasyte]

Muted Valley maybe?

[PaleMoonDeath]

Metal Gears and Solid.

You, a lone soldier, Bigger Boss must single handedly infiltrate Russia and take out the Legendary female soldier, The Blossom!

Can be done.

[-Foxtrot]

If that concept was refined more it would really p*** Konami off

Be better if Kojima got David Hayter to voice the new character

Soundless Scorpion

XD

[rainslacker]

As funny as something like that would be, I think he's grown tired of the MGS franchise, and I can't see him wanting to spend another 2 decades of his life on it.

Let the man move on and make something new. Think he deserves that after all this time.:)

BTW...I know you guys are only putting out funny ideas for the sake of the conversation.

[MasterCornholio]

Wherever he goes I hope they treat him better than what Konami did.

Edit:

OK looks like someone did a proper translation. He's creating a studio with people that worked with him. Mostly likely its an independent studio and he is just talking with Sony to bring games to PlayStation platforms.

Nothing that claims its a game exclusive to PS4 however there a theory that it might be a SFV kind of deal. Basically exclusive to PC and PS4 in exchange for funding from Sony.

[ShadowKnight]

Sony will especially after reading this article http://www.dualshockers.com...

[MasterCornholio]

It makes sense if he went with Sony especially with the history that he has with them. Plus they might even fund a AAA release from him and give him a lot of freedom with the development.

Its pretty logical once you think about it.

However if he chooses to remain independent I can see him producing smaller titles like what many other popular indie developers do.

[1060FX8300]

Please be true. This is pretty exciting

Also #FucKonami

[P3L1K4N3LUL]

I own PS4, I support exclusivity and so, but I think Kojima has to develop for both consoles atleast. All gamers should enjoy his creations on their favorite systems.

[WelkinCole]

Yeah. hardcore PS fanboy here as well but I agree.

He has done the most for PS nation.

It really is time for people to let him have the freedom to do what he likes even if that means dev on other platforms.

No one deserves it more than him.

[jb227]

Personally I don't care what platforms it releases on as long as he gets to create something as close as his original vision as possible. If Sony is the only one willing to take that gamble then so be it....platforms are of little consequence when it comes to creativity. Even if he goes w/ MS because they allowed him the most freedom, as a PS only owner I'd hold no I'll will.

I'd love for gaming to get to a place where there is no such thing as "exclusion" but in the meantime whatever platform allows for the best game is the deserving one in my eyes.

[jb227]

@drfraud

Wow, just checked the sales after your comment and 2.5 million vs. 500k on the closest MS platform is quite a stretch. The ps3 sold more than the XBO & the 360 is nowhere in sight. Really didn't imagine a spread that wide....looking like a release on MS platforms wouldn't necessarily need to be a priority in light of those numbers. For that spread to be normal the PS4 would've had to outsell the XBO 5x when it's really potentially less than 2x. Fairly obvious that Kojima's crowd are PS gamers far & away.

[pwnsause_returns]

Well, he's starting from scratch, I guess it's best for him to start somewhere, as long as he remains independent from Sony, it's all good, he can just make a game for Sony, then later on down the road when finances and Devon relations permit, I guess he can work with Microsoft, like how insomniac has done, I do agree with what you said thighs, every needs to try his games at the end of the day.

[Guyfamily999]

I love how N4G classifies this as "exploding" :)
Go Kojima!

[Gamer4News]

Would you prefer news of the "ejaculating" type instead?

[Nyxus]

Let this be true.

[mt]

I so want to see what kojima is capable of in regards making new IP. of course good budget in hands from whoever will support him.

[silkrevolver]

They're specifically gonna make games for the PS4?

Dreams DO come true!!!

[sk8ofmnd]

Yes Kojimason! Come to sony and take my monies! Is it possible he could make a new Zone Of Enders??? God i would die... Twice!

[WelkinCole]

Unfortunately ZOE IP is Konami.

[deadpoolio316]

UH Kojima is the one who did not want to make a ZOE3 Konami talked to him about doing one a few times and he said no after ZOE HD didn't do so well

[sk8ofmnd]

Gotcha. Thanks for the reply. I was unsure. I am sure however, whatever kojima has in store for us, it will be epic! Sucks most games take years (3 or more) to complete. So even if he was comming to the dark side it would be years before we would even see a title by him 😑

[Malice-Flare]

Sony would be a good fit for a Kojima-led studio. among other benefits are access to the other entertainment departments (Music, Movies, TV) since Kojima games often used licensed materials (songs, video clips)...

[Rimeskeem]

Sony + Kojima is the dream team

Kojima + Naught Dog is the meme team

[Kalebninja]

Damn straight, PS is the only way to go for him. I wonder if he'll use the same studio name.

[Pintheshadows]

Multiple sources are now reporting on him forming a new studio within Sony with ex Kojima productions employees.

It makes sense to me, especially if Sony said 'sure, bring your friends'. Who wouldn't be enticed by that.

I won't hold my breath but if this is true this is a massive coup for Sony.

[Thatguy-310]

Then a few days ago Sony was talking about buying new studios. It's going to happen!!

[Pintheshadows]

I refuse to jump the gun until an official announcement, but if it is true, I won't be surprised.

I will be quite excited for a new Kojima IP though.

[Thatguy-310]

Regardless of the outcome a for sure thing is that it will make its console debut on the ps4.can't wait to see what he cooks up

[Pintheshadows]

It's true. All of it.

[slate91]

So much thirst for Sony exclusivity lol.

Hey Kojima, here is excitement from someone who wont use your name to wage forum-wars. Hope we can play your games on multiple systems so everyone can enjoy.

[TwoForce]

Can you really tell ? Sony and Kojima has a strong relationship from the beginning to this day.

[ShadowKnight]

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.

This would be awesome for Sony

[tay8701]

maybe this quip was a bit of foreshadowing.
http://www.dualshockers.com...
https://www.youtube.com/wat...

[itsjustexuma]

This too http://www.gamepur.com/file...

[Suzyp]

did you raik it?

[ApolloTheBoss]

Get him Sony get him! And let the fun begin!

[WelkinCole]

I think if he goes multi plat he would still dev exclusive content for PS or time exclusives.

I would be surprise if he goes full PS exclusive though which would be massive for Sony.

[Gwiz]

Konami is Origami (paperweight),they really went FR.Kojima-san all the best to you,without you Konami is done for anyway.

[Aloy-Boyfriend]

Sony and Kojima = The dream team

Make it happen!

[formanbradley]

Metal Gear is my favorite game series of all time, can't wait to see what this genius does next!

[deadpoolio316]

Genius is a bit of a stretch, MGS V was mediocre compared to the rest of the series...The guy while creative is a one trick pony period...

He couldn't handle a hack & slash so they passed that over to Platinum, he did nothing for Castlevania LoS they basically put his name on the box for recognition because nobody knew who Mercury Steam were. Mercury Steam has confirmed that Kojima really didn't do anything. Outside of MGS there are zero other successful games he had anything to do with. ZOE flopped, ZOE HD flopped, Konami wanted to make a ZOE 3 because fans kept asking for it and Kojima said he didn't want to....Lets not over rate the guy more than he already is

[quenomamen]

Yea he's a total hack, I mean it's not like pumping yearly pieces of art like CODs & Assasin's Creeds. What a loser, that Kojima.

[WellyUK]

no instead he's pumping out lifelessly dull open world third person shooters...

[rainslacker]

I believe MGSV was the way it was because Konami had their hand in the production of the game. Almost everything about it screams publisher wants, and not developer vision.

ZOE didn't flop originally, the HD wasn't a massive success though.

Snatcher and Policenaughts are thought to be very good games from Kojima, and they were the forerunner of action visual novel genre's back in their day. Tokimeki Memorial was once considered the premiere dating sim game.

He's also worked on other games which have been very well received, so the man has earned his place as a creative genius. Maybe he's a one trick pony to some because Konami keeps having him make MGS games...which he's on several occasions said he didn't want to do anymore.

[TheColbertinator]

Spiritual successor to Policenauts plz

[mezati99]

i am just so happy he's still in gaming industry <3

[Godmars290]

So. Will there be a "direct" Snake clone or, if Kojima is working close with Sony, will they give him Siphon Filter to do something "Snake-ish" with?

[YinYangGaming]

UPDATE:

Apparently he's in final negotiations for his next title to release on PS hardware first, so a timed exclusivity deal with Sony?

[RAM0N]

Im glad hes working with sony

[MilkMan]

About time!

[PaleMoonDeath]

Sony, look after Koji <3

[psuedo]

Finally

[Tsunade]

Kojima and Sony are a perfect and natural fit. Kojima likes to make big budget games. He cannot do that if he goes independent.

[gamer7804]

I'd prefer him to make his own company and not go with Sony or Microsoft. This will allow him the creative freedom to make a great game with his vision.

[Herbalistic]

I doubt he could afford to 100% fund his own software without a publisher..Kojima produced games are really on the expensive side..He is creating his own studio though.

[rainslacker]

If he wants to make AAA games with epicly big presentations, then he's going to need a publisher...unless he happens to have a couple hundred million available.

He could do some smaller indie stuff, but honestly, the big devs that go this route seem to never hit it big.

He could do something like what was done with Shenmue 3, and go through KS, but even then, for AAA, he would need some other backing from a 3rd party producer.

There's really nothing wrong with having a publisher. Problem is finding one that you can work with and will give him the creative freedom and time to make the games he makes...since he does take a while to get games done some times.

[Butters360]

Kojima will most likely go first party with Sony. If he goes independent he won't have enough money to fund his game. He no longer owns his creation, the Fox Engine.

[RevXM]

That is a another sad thing.
The fox engine seems to be doomed. :C

[rainslacker]

I'm fairly confident he could make due with Sony's in house engine. Fox engine was good, but ND/Guerilla's engine are just as capable. If it's full exclusive it would even make sense to...otherwise, for time consideration...unless Sony is looking for a Fox Engine clone, U4 would be the logical choice.

[Wallow]

On my birthday!

[Pancit_Canton]

I can't wait for Sony's E3 next year. Huge game announcements (Crash Bandicoot Remake) and New studio (Kojima Production Resurrection) lol

[Satyre28]

Dont his games take like forever to make? If he hasnt started anything yet, doesnt that kinda mean it will probably be a release on next gen consoles? 3-4 years of development?

[MasterCornholio]

You expect that it would be any different if he works for somebody else?

Truth: AAA games take a long time to make.

[DVAcme]

I'm betting Kojima and his team have had ideas for years that they've wanted to turn into games but haven't been able to because of Konami shooting them down. Their first game will probably take less time than one might expect just because the creative and brainstorming phase was already done years ago and they just have to focus on putting the game together.

[MasterCornholio]

Probably unless Konami made them sign some stupid agreement saying that they cant take those ideas outside of the company.

[PR_FROM_OHIO]

SONY teaming up with KOJIMA will be Megaton!!!!!

[Skankinruby]

Sony needs to give this guy a good bed to sleep in, that would be amazing if he joined forces with them

[TXIDarkAvenger]

Well if he is with Sony, I hope this isn't the end of Kojima games on PC.

[Gamer92MMM]

Pls make it happen sony...........

[Ethereal]

Good riddance to Konami for pulling the plug on creativity and a visionary. Can't wait to see what we cooks up outside of MGS. A long deserved departure into new genres...

[Tauriel]

Can't be.......
Using Snake's voice.

[Tobsesan]

Would be great to see him making a new IP he really wants to make. I just hope he wont have a publisher that dictates what he has to do.

[Gatsu]

Glad to hear this, Konami finally released him.

[DVAcme]

Sony is Kojima's best choice just because becoming a Microsoft exclusive would alienate the Japanese fans, since the XB1 doesn't sell well over there, and the Wii-U is selling poorly in the States. Sony covers both sides of the Pacific nicely for everyone. However, if he can go 3rd party and develop for everyone, he should go for it.

This is wonderful news, I want to see what Kojima is capable of now with full freedom to create new and exciting IPs without Konami breathing down his neck.

[PizzaSteve]

Sony + Kojima = Winning

[Dangerous]

Good luck kojima I will keep waiting for your next project.

Here's to you...
https://pbs.twimg.com/tweet...

[Trilithon]

Silent hill would have been a masterpiece and i don't even like horror games.. Something tells me hes just getting started with that genre too. MGS has been one of the best tactical games ever made since the beginning and i have Kojima and his team to thank for many hours of entertainment and happy gaming moments. love the guy

[DivineAssault]

Good for him! Now he has the freedom to work on what he feels passionate about

[kotaku77]

He is one of the reasons why I love games! Thank You Kojima!

[GranTurismoFan]

Treat him well Sony!!
Guys were about to experience a new golden age again! Im so excited for video games right now!

[Segata]

New company name?

Diamond Fox Studios?

[Elda]

This is great news!Sony needs to bite hard at the opportunity to have this talented man in their house...The House of PlayStation!

[theshredded]

Greatness awaits! a frikin horror vr game would be fantastic, I bet Mr. Del Toro would want to work with him again

[dinosaurcrossbow]

If Sony does acquire hideo kojima, then xbox is in deep trouble. They will get even more massacred. I wonder if they will survive this gen.

[audiocafe]

Great news. I think his studio will partner with Sony for projects but likely remain independent, maybe collab on some Playstation exclusive projects, then work with MS on some stuff for their console and maybe do some multiplats over the years. That way everyone gets some Kojima love :) but honestly I'm just glad he's still going to be making games. Looking forward to whatever his next project will be

[BABY-JEDI]

I genuinely believe Kojima will work on PSVR. Be it horror, Sci-fi, action etc. He is a revolutionary kind of a guy 😉

[wannabe gamer]

Well this is exactly what I was hoping for! A man with his talents needs to have his own studio and freedom to create unrestricted.
I only hope his work isnt locked to a single platform. Please make games for all systems or at least PC+PS/Xbox

[ocelot07]

If this is all true. I hope he quickly gets his new studio up and running. Sony make a deal with him and give him/loan him the Siren name. Hopefully he can do what he wanted to do with Silent Hill but with the Siren name.

[Germany7]

Welcome to the Sony Team, Kojima-San! You were always from here, but now it's official.

PS4 fans will be like: https://www.youtube.com/wat...

[Subaruwrx]

It's going to be 4 - 5 years before we see a new game from Kojima so, we're probably not going to see his work on the PS4 or the X1. It's a little too early, imo, to get excited about whatever he decides to do.

[benji101]

People disagree with you but MGS5 was not finished and it had been 4 -5 years in development. Kojima just has no idea about time management.

[slang201V]

Just FINALLY!

[Enigma_2099]

To everyone who kept going on about buying MGS 5 on release under the pretense of supporting Kojima while STILL giving Konami a cut... you did it wrong. NOW you give him money to support him!

[Skankinruby]

Full length version of p.t. would be amazing

[MrEnglish]

He has strong ties with Sony so will likley do a deal with them on his next game but if Microsoft want any presence in Japan they really need to throw buckets of $ at this guy as thus could be the foot in the door they need.

Still think he will be a Sony guy though regardless

[SynestheticRoar]

Konami is dead to me.

[Butters360]

IT'S HAPPENING!!!!!

[2pacalypsenow]

Sony just released a video that Sony is in fact working with Kojima productions

[kenwonobi]

Thanks for the Christmas present Sony. That is awesome idea teaming with Kojima. Absolutely stunning development. They hit the jackpot again. Hopefully that VR thingy gets something from this partnership too. Along with a great exclusive.

[Sharius]

What if, years from now sony make PC section on PSN and begin to sell all of its "console exclusive" game on PC?

[joeorc]

@Sharius + 5h ago
What if, years from now sony make PC section on PSN and begin to sell all of its "console exclusive" game on PC?

Oh' you mean supporting SteamOS "gamer PC" OS sure why not?

Sony already support Android, BSD, and now Supporting & Open Platform OS for gaming may be a future support platform.

SteamOS use Vulkan graphics Api
Android OS use Vulkan graphics Api is now tthe Default Graphics Api for Android.
Playstation VR also use Vulkan also with Liquid VR also can be used to make games for PlayStation VR.

So anytime soon, doubtful, but in the future..maybe. Sony already supports Android OS. Such as Amazon fire sticks, Apple IOS , Google chrome cast with PlayStation Vue. & on Samsung forked Android based Smart TV's having playstation.

Sony also has remote play from playstation 4 remote play from the PS4 to Windows PC. As for support of windows OS for on PSN..doubtful due to Microsoft being a direct game console platform for the living room. But streaming from the playstation living room console to a PC sure that's more than likely going to get support for windows OS , hell maybe even streaming to an Xbox also from a PS4.

[bluegoblin]

Yup its official. Just watched the playstation reveal on youtube. Super thrilled about this!

[benji101]

Finally a reason to buy a ps4.
Kojima's first game is a Playstation exclusive. It will be a great game.. and it will bankrupt sony. Double win ;P Wait...
this will probably be a ps5 game.. right?

[aquaticDonut]

So, who's hoping for something along the lines of PT?

[Pazto]

Random Kojima Fan Comments : HEY SONY GIVE TO KOJIMA ALL THE TIME AND MONEY HE WANTS!!! SONY DONT MESS UP! GUAAAAH! OBEY TO KOJIMA!
Before disagree with me, please read all the comment.
To be honest I start to think that hire Kojima atm is not the smartest move for Sony... Humm... Lets wait and see what can happen, Kojima is indeed great man of the industry, but we all can agree that he take his time (is one of the "slower" game designer) and sure he is not the best in handling budget, also beside MGS he made mediocre games (and ofc this is my honest opinion)... Also, "limit" him make all the fans upset, even if all the game designer in the world have to follow the rules... I hope this is not the wrong move from Sony.

[MasterD919]

That's great for him that he finally has the freedom to do what he pleases without Konami interfering but let's not forget that MGS is not Kojima's anymore, so it isn't like he's going to be putting out exclusive MGS sequels in the future.

[Dangerous]

Goodbye konami Welcome back kojima.
MGS series will be missing.

[torgo]

Just have to say....

"Called it!"

:-)