Since Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain has been released, Hideo Kojima — the creative mind behind the Metal Gear Solid series — has been missing in action. It was expected that Kojima would make an appearance tonight at The Game Awards, but apparently Konami's lawyers intervened. Here's how host Geoff Keighley described the situation:

"Mr. Kojima had every intention of being with us tonight, but unfortunately he was informed by a lawyer representing Konami just recently that he would not be allowed to travel to tonight's award ceremony to accept any awards. He’s still under an employment contract and it’s disappointing."

For all intents and purposes, it looks as if Hideo Kojima has left Konami, even if Konami insists he's just on vacation. Earlier this week, a Konami PR representative appeared in Kojima's place at the PlayStation Awards to accept trophies for The Phantom Pain, and now we can safely guess why.

Kiefer Sutherland, who voiced Venom Snake in MGSV, accepted tonight's award on Kojima's behalf.

Update: Though not responding to the situation directly, Kojima's English-language account tweeted his gratitude (presumably for the community) and has been retweeting numerous messages of support.