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Kojima: I am 100% Involved in MGS5 The Phantom Pain

Game designer speaks out following news of expected departure; Konami conducting interviews "for new main staff" on future Metal Gear game.

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Hideo Kojima has issued his first public statement since it was revealed that the famed game designer is set to leave Konami after nearly three decades of service.

GameSpot revealed on Thursday that power struggles between Kojima Productions and proprietor Konami have led to drastic changes at the studio. As well as being demoted from an executive position at Konami, Kojima is now essentially a contractor, with the terms of his employment expected to cease before 2016.

In a bid to quell concerns that unrest at Kojima Productions would affect Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Konami has issued a statement with a quote from the games designer.

In it, Kojima is quoted as saying: "I want to reassure fans that I am 100 percent involved and will continue working on Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain; I'm determined to make it the greatest game I've directed to date. Don't miss it!"

Konami also stated that it would "continue to develop and distribute top-quality content in the Metal Gear series following the Phantom Pain." The press release showed no mention of Kojima's employee status, nor did it discuss the expected termination of his partnership with Konami.

It did, however, reiterate that it is working on a new Metal Gear title, and that it is "conducting interviews for main staff to lead the development."

Konami added: "We greatly anticipate and deeply appreciate your ongoing support for Metal Gear."

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