Hideo Kojima, the designer behind the popular video game franchise "Metal Gear Solid", will make his next title exclusively for Sony's PlayStation 4 (PS4) console.
Games studio Konami terminated its contract with Kojima as of December 15, the creator said via Twitter on Wednesday, and has established his own company, Kojima Productions.
There was no timeline for the next release or even what the game would be about, but Kojima said in a separate release that he "cannot wait to deliver … a game that will become a compelling franchise.”
When big game franchises or creators sign exclusive deals with console makers, it is often seen as a big coup with companies hoping to boost sales of devices. But Sony is leading the console wars and recently announced it had sold 30.2 million units of the PS4 since its release in November 2013.
Reports had surfaced throughout the year about Kojima's strained relations with Konami. In March, Konami removed mention of Kojima from its Metal Gear Solid website. Later, Konami canceled the production of a game called "Silent Hills," which was a collaboration between Kojima and film director Guillermo del Toro.
"PlayStation's history is one of game innovation and great new franchises," Andrew House, president and global CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, said in a press release.
"Hideo Kojima has been a huge part of that history, and we are therefore delighted that he has chosen to bring his brand new project to life in partnership with PlayStation."
