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Konami is to cease developing AAA console games, with the exception of next year’s version of PES, according to a new report.
The rumour was first reported by French website Gameblog, but Eurogamer now also states that it understands the report to be true.
According to Gameblog’s sources, the new Metal Gear title confirmed by Konami in March is not “actually being prepared at any level whatsoever. Not even in pre-production, or in the planning stage. Nothing. It was only against a fire-marketing.”
The site claims to have been told by several sources that “no recruitment [was] actually undertaken” following the firm’s recruitment call earlier this year, either.
“Worse, apart from the series Winning Eleven / PES, no AAA game is currently in pre-production at Konami” the report adds. “All current console projects have been stopped or canceled by the new management.”
Konami’s worldwide technology director Julien Merceron, believed to be a key member of staff behind the development of the publisher’s FOX Engine, is also reported to have left the company.
Alleged problems at Konami first emerged earlier this year when it was discovered that Hideo Kojima’s name had been removed from Metal Gear Solid marketing assets. He is rumoured to be leaving the company later this year, with Kojima Productions already reported to have been dissolved.
At the time, Konami told VideoGamer.com that “Konami Digital Entertainment, including Mr. Kojima, will continue to develop and support Metal Gear products. Please look forward to future announcements.”
The company has not provided an update on Kojima’s employment status since, nor has it announced any future AAA console titles.
Source: gameblog.fr, eurogamer.net
