Konami's removal of the title, "A Hideo Kojima Game," from the Metal Gear Solid website and the rebranding of Kojima Productions to Konami Los Angeles has fans dreading the worst.

The Patriots have struck as multiple signs are pointing towards the legendary game developer and Metal Gear series creator, Hideo Kojima, leaving Konami after working there for the past 29 years, according to Polygon. On the Metal Gear Solid official website, Kojima's name and the longtime series label of "A Hideo Kojima Game" have been removed from all images of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, as well as images of other recent Metal Gear products that used to bear the tagline (pictured above). Rumor has it that Konami is shuffling around many of its executive positions, which could include the removal of Kojima as the Vice President of Konami Digital Entertainment. Konami's updated roster of executive board members no longer lists Kojima in any of his previous executive roles.

"We are shifting our production structure to a headquarters-controlled system, in order to establish a steadfast operating base capable of responding to the rapid market changes that surround our digital entertainment business," the Konami announcement said.

The official Japanese website for Kojima Productions (http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/index.html) now automatically redirects users to the official Metal Gear website of Japan.

On top of removing Kojima's name from the current line of MGS products and Konami's executive board, his studio, Kojima Productions, is undergoing major changes as well. Kojima Productions Los Angeles has been renamed Konami Los Angeles Studio. Kojima Production's official Twitter account for Metal Gear Solid, @Kojima_Pro_Live, announced it is no longer the main MGS Twitter page and has been replaced with with @MetalGear_En.

Lastly, Hideo Kojima's latest Tweet hints towards a much deeper meaning due to Konami's recent actions:

In response to everyone's worries, a Konami representative said the following to IGN:

As we have already announced, we are shifting our production structure to a headquarters-controlled system, in order to establish a steadfast operating base capable of responding to the rapid market changes that surround our digital entertainment business. Konami Digital Entertainment (including Mr. Kojima), will continue to develop and support Metal Gear products. Please look forward to future announcements.

Stay tuned as we'll provide up-to-date coverage on Kojima's status at Konami once more information is available.

 Please say it ain't so, Kojima-san.

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