Report: Kojimas last Konami day was Oct. 9, non-compete active until Dec.

A report from The New Yorker puts a date on when Metal Gear Solid series creator Hideo Kojima left Konami (which has been widely accepted at this point) - and explains why we still lack any official word from either of the involved parties. According to The New Yorker, Kojima had a going-away ceremony on October 9, but a non-compete clause is not set to expire until December.

Rumors regarding Kojima's departure began even before his last game, Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, hit store shelves in September. The game went on to sell what I believe is best described as "a whole freaking lot" of copies, making it the best-selling game in the series.

A non-compete clause could not only keep Kojima from finding a new home, but also keep him gagged from so much as speaking about such matters. And while Kojima has said his goodbyes to the Metal Gear series, Konami has announced plans to continue the franchise - including a "Big Boss" pachinko trademark.

Here's hoping that we can unwrap the mystery come December.

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