Konami has begun hiring developers to start work on a brand new Metal Gear series.

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The job postings (via NeoGAF ) come just a day after rumours of franchise creator Hideo Kojima's departure began to spread following the quiet removal of his name from a series of promotional sites. Since then, unnamed sources have claimed the veteran developer and Konami are indeed splitting after the conclusion of Metal Gear Solid V, citing a "power struggle" as the cause.While there's yet to be any official announcement about Kojima's departure, these listings certainly seem to indicate Konami isn't wasting any time in shoring up the franchise should the dev be heading out the door. It also suggests the rumoured sequel for Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance could still be on the cards regardless of what happens.The posting seems to suggest Snake's story will indeed be concluding in Metal Gear Solid V, but this will be another series set in the same universe. Whether we'll see any familiar faces or not isn't clear.This latest development in an increasingly murky story is likely to provoke mixed reactions from fans. While some may be glad to hear the franchise will live on in some form or another, for most Kojima is Metal Gear. The idea of Konami continuing to titles without his input may be hard to swallow.

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK News Editor. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on Twitter