Kojima Branding Removed On ‘Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’ Cover By Konami

It seems as though Konami and Kojima Productions’ relationship is deteriorating further, as some intrepid NeoGaffers pointed out earlier today. It seems as though Konami has pulled the Kojima Productions logo from the box of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, further showing the relationship between the studio and publisher is essentially non-existent.

This comes just a few days after reports that Kojima Productions was disbanded, as the Inquisitrpreviously reported. But don’t just take our word for it, compare the box art for yourself. All mention of Hideo Kojima and his company are gone from the box art.

While it’s natural (and now completely expected) that Konami would want to make sure their branding is at the fore with Metal Gear Solid V, many fans see this as completely unprofessional. Forbes’ Erik Kain called the move “ridiculous” in his opinion column on the matter, likening the decision to remove Kojima branding from The Phantom Pain to a “petty act by a spurned lover.”

Naturally, the internet isn’t taking this news well.

Gah! What really happened between @Konami and #Kojima? Being retconned from #MGSV is at the v/ least a PR disaster, at worst brand suicide.

— Simon Cox (@_simon_cox) July 14, 2015

Really, @Konami? Removing Kojima from your Phantom Pain cover? Really?

— Miku Miku Mars (@mikumari) July 14, 2015

What exactly went on between Kojima and Konami during the development of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is unknown, though it’s speculated that this rift is due to Konami shifting its focus to mobile and its already strong gambling-slot machine division.

This report couldn’t come at a worse time for Konami, as the company is already fighting off rumors of a visual downgrade with Metal Gear Solid V. Reported on VG247, the game developer has already addressed the rumors, saying that the footage seen at E3 isn’t indicative of the final product, but with just a few months till its September release, it’s hard to imagine Konami doing much more to the visuals to convince naysayers otherwise. Some observers are pointing out a drop in texture, shadow quality as well as sallow colors compared to previous footage of the game.

While many fans are incensed at the idea of Konami taking any mention of Hideo Kojima off the Metal Gear Solid V box art, few will go so far to not purchase the game when it releases on console September 1 and PC on September 15. That would be the only way to send a message that you are upset about Konami’s tactics, but few fans are willing to send the message with their wallet, especially considering The Phantom Pain is such a hotly anticipated release.

Though the Kojima Productions logo may be missing from the box, Kojima’s hand can be seen throughout the footage of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, and gamers who are looking for Kojima’s “magnum opus” may still get that, regardless of whether his name appears on the box.

Upset about the Konami/Kojima development with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain? Sound off in the comments below.

[Images via Konami]