Konami Reveal Why They Removed Kojima's Name

The company removed Kojima's name for rebranding purposes.

Taking the to Japanese Metal Gear Twitter account (via Kotaku), Konami avoided addressing the exact status of Kojima's employment, but say that the removal of his name was part of an ongoin rebranding.

"In accordance with the recent change in production organization of all of Konami, Kojima Productions, as well as other internal production companies, has had its name, etc., changed to move into the corporate headquarters work structure," Konami stated. "The name and organization has changed, but as before, MGSV: TPP is continuing as a work from director Kojima and the existing team members.

"The social networking account has also been changed, but the new account has the same Metal Gear team members as the previous one, and is updating with the latest news. As the team members who are tweeting is unchanged, we would like your continued support and follows.”

“Naturally director Kojima is playing the game, checking all the small details and giving directions to the staff as the title continues to completion. Bringing the thoughts and ideas of director Kojima in an open world game of the size of TPP is incredibly difficult, the director and the team that’s been there from the start are coming together as one as they aim to finish the game, so please give them the support they need.”

Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima is expected to part ways with Konami once development on Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain has wrapped.