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According to an inside source, Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima is leaving Konami after the completion of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

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Speaking with GameSpot , an anonymous source said "power struggles" between Kojima Productions and Konami have led to employment changes for Kojima himself, as well as other senior staff. They reportedly now work as contractors instead of full-time employees."After we finish MGSV, Mr. Kojima and upper management will leave Konami," the source said. "They said their contract ends in December."Key developers, including Hideo Kojima, are also reportedly being given limited access to corporate internet, emails, and phone calls.Just earlier today, rumors surfaced that Kojima and Konami may part ways. When asked for clarification, Konami told IGN:"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. Konami Digital Entertainment (including Mr. Kojima), will continue to develop and support Metal Gear products. Please look forward to future announcements.”We've reached out to Konami for additional clarification.

Brian is an associate editor at IGN. You can follow him @albinoalbert on Twitter