This year’s The Game Awards saw Kojima Productions‘ Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain win an award. However, Hideo Kojima was not there to pick the prize up. Instead, Kiefer Sutherland did so. What happened, why wasn’t the Japanese genius there?

The answer is going to be weird, but ridiculous in our opinion – according to the host Geoff Keighley, Kojima planned to participate, but one of Konami‘s lawyers told him not to. That means Konami banned their former employee from receiving an award. We think it’s a rare sight, in fact, it might be the first time in videogaming’s history.

It’s probably a contractual obligation, as Hideo Kojima seems to be on a gardening leave – his contract doesn’t allow to go anywhere and do anything (that also means joining a new company as well) until it runs out. Still, we have to say this: it’s totally ridiculous how Konami manages to dig themselves deeper and deeper. Good job, folks – keep it up. You’ll get there, don’t worry!