It would appear that the next move for veteran game designer Hideo Kojima, creator of the popular series Metal Gear Solid, has been determined. According to a report from Japanese publication Nikkei, it would appear that Kojima is starting a new studio with a group of former Kojima Productions staff members, and that they are talking with Sony about having their first game debut on the Playstation.

Metal Gear Solid and Hideo Kojima himself have had a rough couple of months since the release of the newest title in the franchise, with issues such as Konami's workplace culture and Metal Gear Solid's microtransaction and launch issues making things difficult for both beloved franchise and designer. The tension between Konami and Kojima was apparent, and even televised at The Game Awards when it was announced that Konami's lawyer's had barred him from attendance.

Hideo Kojima joined Konami in 1986, where he created the Metal Gear series, and was been in charge of its development since 1987 alongside Kojima Productions (originally Konami LA) - the Konami-owned studio centered around Metal Gear Solid. Kojima Productions was closed by Konami following the completion of Metal Gear Solid V and the previous cancellation of Silent Hills, a collaboration between Kojima and Guillermo del Toro. Kojima's name has since been stripped from The Phantom Pain's box art as well, a reminder of the tension between company and developer.

This new development won't take anyone by surprise, as fans expected him to make a move since his no-compete clause with Konami ended in December. There aren't many details past the fact that the studio is being formed by himself and former members of Kojima Productions, and that they are seeking negotiations with Sony to release their first game on the Playstation console. We'll keep you posted if any further details arise.

What do you think of this new development? Are you excited to see a new game come from Kojima?