Konami has invested millions of dollars in this team, entrusting them with its confidential and proprietary information. And every one of them is leaving to follow Kojima after this game ships. It's not out of the ordinary for companies to install cameras, monitor building activity, and restrict computer access in these scenarios. The rest of this just sounds farfetched, though. I don't know much about Japanese business culture or the job market but I have to imagine if they really did assign a software programmer to the cleaning crew, they would just find a new job. I have heard other stories about Konami reassigning teams and downsizing their game development, which, while disappointing, does not ring of employee mistreatment. I admit I have heard some disturbing rumors and don't have all the information so if someone else knows more, I would love to learn about it.
I've been following the situation for a while and the jury's still out on who to blame in the whole Kojima vs Konami fallout. What is clear is that Metal Gear Solid V has become one of the most expensive video games ever developed. The
most recent update suggests that he's really gone off the deep end as a perfectionist, at the expense of longtime contributors to the franchise. While I want him to have the freedom to execute on his vision, I also think the money has a right to say "enough," and this whole controversy more than likely arose at that moment.
That said, I'm still going to print my "A Hideo Kojima Game" cover insert. Regardless of your take on it, the last thing anyone should do is not play The Phantom Pain. Everything suggests that this is going to be Kojima's magnum opus and Ground Zeroes showed he is still head and shoulders above anyone directing games today. At the very least, buy a used retail copy, that way Konami won't get your money and you'll save a few bucks while you're at it.
Originally Posted by Bolivar
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