Rumor: Silent Hill composer leaves Konami

Holy crap.

Akira Yamaoka, the musical genius behind Silent Hill‘s unique and ambient soundtrack, is leaving Konami after sixteen years of service. At least that’s what the rumors say, and the rumors are pretty adamant that this has definitely happened. It’s not known what Yamaoka intends to do next, with word that he has been vacationing in the US and Europe.

Yamaoka is considered by many (myself included) to be one of the integral ingredients of Silent Hill‘s success. He has created amazing music for each and every entry in the series (excluding the Play Novel) and has also been a producer since Silent Hill 3. Sound is one of the most important aspects of the survival horror franchise, and Yamaoka has been crucial in that regard.

Silent Hill 2 has among my favorite soundtracks of all time, so the idea of Yamaoka leaving the series behind is rather shocking to me. Absolutely crazy stuff.

Check out our interview with Akira Yamaoka here.