Many rumors swirled around Japanese publisher Konami around the time of Hideo Kojima’s departure from the company. Now, another report is pointing to the publisher blacklisting former employees from new work in the games industry.

Japanese newspaper Nikkei reported Konami is blacklisting former employees by notifying other game companies if the new hire is a former Konami employee. This comes from the claim that Konami is issuing formal complains against companies that hire former Konami employees.

Obviously, the report notes more actions taken against the newly reformed Kojima Productions.

The company applied to join a Japanese health insurance company that focuses on the game industry, ITS Kenpo, only to be rejected by board chairman Kimihiko Higashio. It’s worth noting Higashio is also the president of Konami, coupled with the report stating Kojima Productions were rejected before the company’s board even reviewed their application.

The report noted other examples of companies being told not to hire former Konami employees, like a television company being told to avoid former employees entirely. Another report states a former Konami executive had to close his business due to pressure from Konami.

Finally, the report says Konami purportedly sends legal notices to former employees interviewed by the media – alluding to potential legal actions should they speak up regarding anything from the company.

How do you guys feel about Konami and the fallout with much of their core staff? Sound off in the comments below!