Konami says Kojima hasn't left. Here's a picture of him not leaving

As reported yesterday, Hideo Kojima allegedly left Konami on the 9th of October, after a short 'departure ceremony'. That info apparently came via one of the guests at the event. Now, according to a statement from Tokyo Sports , Konami has denied that.

In the translated statement a spokesperson said that Kojima was currently "listed as a company employee [at Konami]”, adding "Kojima and the development team are finished developing Metal Gear Solid V and are taking a long time off from work.” That long time off might have something to do with a rumoured non-compete clause that prevents him from working for anyone else until December.

Here is a photograph of Kojima's farewell party on October 9th at Konami, which Konami claims no knowledge of: pic.twitter.com/xgRUoYs5qtOctober 20, 2015

Obviously, this could be any old knees up at Konami, I don't know often they like to get down in Tokyo, but it does look like they're wishing the boss well.

As with everything to do with this we'll probably never really know. Info leaks out, Konami denies it and nothing's clear. But, at least by next year, we should know if Kojima is working at a new studio (or even his own). Until then expect another raft of rumours, next time swirling around a bidding war from all the big names to sign him.

Seen something newsworthy? Tell us!

I'm GamesRadar's Managing Editor for guides. I also write reviews, previews and features, largely about horror, action adventure, FPS and open world games. I previously worked on Kotaku, and the Official PlayStation Magazine and website.