The online version of the prominent Japanese newspaper Nikkei Shinbun Just posted a very brief report mentioning that Metal Gear Solid Creator Hideo Kojima officially left Konami today, and is forming a new studio in order to continue to develop games.

The report also mentions that Kojima-san is expected to work on consoles such as Sony's PlayStation.

Update: the full version of Nikkei's report confirms that Konami retains the rights to the Metal Gear franchise, and mentions that Kojima-san is working on a completely new game, and is in the final stage of negotiations with Sony Computer Entertainment for a debut of that title on PlayStation.

Apparently, the new studio is being formed together with former colleagues from his old studio.

The report does not disclose its source, so we should take it with the customary grain of salt and consider it a rumor, but it's certainly promising given Nikkei's prominence.

Update 2: Konami has now officially confirmed Kojima-san's contract expiration and departure, providing no further details.