Report: Silent Hill Composer Yamaoka Leaves Konami

Silent Hill series composer and producer Akira Yamaoka has left longtime employer Konami, according to internet reports. No direct reason for his departure has yet been given, although an article from game music coverage site Original Sound Version, which reported confirmation of Yamaoka's decision, claims the composer will elaborate on his future plans "in the coming days." An employee of Konami since 1993, Yamaoka is best known as a composer for every game in the Silent Hill survival horror franchise, both those developed internally at Konami as well as those handled by external studios. His contribution was seen as significant enough that he was put in a producer role on several of the series' games starting with Silent Hill 3. Recently, his music was also used in Christophe Gans' 2006 film adaptation of the series. The same year, he put out his first album of original material. Based on past statements, it is possible Yamaoka may seek to continue composing for the Silent Hill series on a freelance basis. Last year, speaking about his role in the franchise, he said, "I don’t think the music could ever be passed on to another composer."