Silent departure leads to the end of “Silent Hills”
It would be an understatement to say that this year has been an eventful one for Konami. Behind the scenes, there has been a rumored power-struggle between Hideo Kojima, lead developer for the Metal Gear Solid Series, and Konami. The company has delisted from the stock market, and announced the cancellation of “Silent Hills,” newest installment in the Silent Hill franchise.
Though the power-struggle allegedly began before this, it was made apparent in mid-March, when Konami removed mention of Kojima and his production company from the Metal Gear Solid website and renamed Kojima Productions Los Angeles to Konami Los Angeles Studio. Fans began to speculate what this could mean for the future of the company, but Kojima publicly stated that he would remain committed to development.
The events surrounding Kojima’s suspension and the aftermath have been obscure, to say the least. Kojima has kept quiet about his plans for the future, and it is unclear if he will return to Konami or if he will branch off on his own.
In late April, Konami pulled down the playable teaser known as “P.T.” for “Silent Hills,” leaving a lot of fans shocked. The company announced that production had been canceled for the game, but insisted that they would continue to make games for the Silent Hill franchise.
Kojima had been a driving force behind “Silent Hills,” combining efforts with famed director Guillermo del Toro to create it. The game’s abrupt cancellation has raised more than a few eyebrows, with fans questioning the implications this may hold for future relations between Konami and Kojima.
Mere days after the announced cancellation of Silent Hills, Konami delisted itself from the New York Stock Exchange. However, this seems more like a strategic financial move, and may have no connection at all to Kojima or “Silent Hills.”
Throughout this entire ordeal, Kojima has remained relatively silent. Konami hasn’t been much better in terms of keeping fans informed, and only time will tell what lies in store for both. For the time being, the two are separated with little indication that they will ever combine forces again.
