Rumours of unrest and a number of changes at Konami have some in the gaming community speculating that Hideo Kojima and the Japanese publisher are parting ways.

An anonymous source has told Gamespot that some senior Kojima Productions staff are now contractors rather than full-time employees, and that they are expected to depart once Metal Gear Solid V is complete.

According to the source, “power struggles” between Kojima Productions and Konami were the catalyst for the changes, and some senior staff at the studio now have restricted access to corporate Internet, emails, and phones.

"After we finish MGSV, Mr. Kojima and upper management will leave Konami. They said their contract ends in December," said the source.

"At a team meeting, Mr Kojima explained that team have to be one and make a good game for fans."

Is Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima parting ways with Konami?
Hideo Kojima.

The Metal Gear creator’s name has been removed from advertisements for Metal Gear Solid V and his studio, Kojima Productions, has been rebranded and assimilated into Konami.

The Los Angeles branch of Kojima Productions has been rebranded as Konami Los Angeles, and the Kojima Productions website now redirects to Konami's Metal Gear portal.

On the Konami website, Kojima has been removed from the publisher’s list of executives.

On top of that, the Kojima Productions Twitter account has closed, and is redirecting people to a Metal Gear account.



In addition, here’s a tweet from Kojima from earlier this week:

Konami has denied that Kojima is leaving.

"As we have already announced, we are shifting our production structure to a headquarters-controlled system, in order to establish a steadfast operating base capable of responding to the rapid market changes that surround our digital entertainment business,” said the company in a statement.

“Konami Digital Entertainment (including Mr. Kojima), will continue to develop and support Metal Gear products. Please look forward to future announcements."

Earlier this month, Kojima said Metal Gear Solid V would be his final Metal Gear Solid game.

"With Metal Gear Solid V, I'm finally closing the loop on that saga," he said.

"In that sense, this will be the final Metal Gear Solid. Even if the Metal Gear franchise continues, to me, this is the last Metal Gear."