Yo jurors! There's a split of sorts going on at Konami where long time fixture of the company Hideo Kojima, and his team, are leaving the company. Kojima is notable as the creator of the Metal Gear series, which has enjoyed over 27 years of success under his direction, and the Zone of the Enders series.

Now, this news couldn't possibly come at a worse time because Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is entering the later stages of development. Well, have no fear says Konami and Kojima. In a news release from Konami, Kojima tells his fans "I want to reassure fans that I am 100% involved and will continue working on METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN; I'm determined to make it the greatest game I've directed to date. Don't miss it!"

Konami adds in that they "will continue to develop and distribute top-quality content in the METAL GEAR series" when Mr. Kojima leaves and that they "greatly anticipate and deeply appreciate your ongoing support for METAL GEAR".

Time. The. Hell. Out. Konami. Maybe it's because I've been a fan of the series for as long as it's existed, having played nearly every entry from start to finish including the various remakes, but I think most people are fans of HIDEO KOJIMA'S Metal Gear series. If he, and his team, are leaving you can hire a new lead developer and new staff all you want and slap the Metal Gear name on whatever game they come up with but it's not going to be Metal Gear and fans will know the difference. After all, it was Kojima's creation and he's had almost 3 decades to work on it.

What say you jurors? Ready for potentially the last ride with Metal Gear as we know it? Or do you think the games in the future, without Mr. Kojima, will be more than a pain and phantom shell of what the series was? Let us know in the comments.

For more news on this and other games, keep sneaking over to Pixel Judge...in a cardboard box. This news is adjourned... sneak sneak sneak ...........!