Last week, the gaming world was rocked when rumors started floating that legendary game maker Hideo Kojima was said to be leaving Konami and the Metal Gear Solid franchise after work on The Phantom Pain is completed.
This bit of gossip was further fueled by Konami itself when it removed Kojima’s name and logo from The Phantom Pain’s official site, as well as any recently released media about it. Unfortunately, it seems MGSV: The Phantom Pain will indeed be Kojima’s final Metal Gear game. Even if Konami is already hiring for the next entry in the franchise, it’s safe to say that it will be a lot different given Kojima and his team won’t be working on it.
Well, given all that, we here at PlayStation LifeStyle have more than a few things to say about it — and rightfully so. Check out our thoughts below.
What do you think really happened with Kojima and Konami to cause them to finally part ways? Do you think Kojima will finally retire, be snatched up by a big-time publisher, or go indie? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Now Loading is a recurring staff-drive feature where PlayStation LifeStyle discusses anything video game-related under the sun (yes, even non-Sony platforms).
Now Loading - Kojima Konami Split
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Now Loading…Kojima Leaving Konami, and the State of the Metal Gear Franchise
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Alex Co
Well, color me shocked. Hideo always mentioned how the most recent Metal Gear game will be his last, but I never thought it'd end like this.
While Konami is more than a gaming company in Japan, one has to wonder if the publisher has any game -- or anyone -- left that can hit millions in sales. And what on earth were they smoking when they let this happen? We don't know the specifics, but it's hard to side with Konami when they've been riding Kojima's ass for this long.
While I don't know what Kojima has planned post MGSV, I do know that if he ever wants to work anywhere, he'll be able to do it. He's Hideo fucking Kojima! I wouldn't be surprised if Sony, Microsoft or other companies are already calling him now.
Some might hate how Kojima makes games, but not me. I'm a big Metal Gear fan, and I consider Kojima (and his team) a genius. Oh, well. At this frees him up to finally create the game he really wants, no?
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Chandler Wood
Well, with the confirmation that Konami is hiring for a new Metal Gear game/series, so I think this had to do with disputes between how Kojima wanted Metal Gear to go and what Konami wanted from it.
As their currently most successful series of titles, Konami will absolutely continue to make Metal Gear games, but will they retain the same charm they once had, or will they take the sinking plunge into becoming a methodical, corporate bullshit franchise? Kojima gave Metal Gear a lot of heart and personality. I'm not sure if anyone else can bring it to that same level.
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Zarmena Khan
It's still too early to say what may have led to Kojima's departure, but the first thing that comes to my mind is Silent Hills. I think I'm just as impatient as others are in wanting to know more on that front.That said, Kojima would be a great asset to any team he joins, if he goes down that route. I really hope Sony finds a way to get him on board. Losing him to business deals or rival companies could mean bad news. But like I said, it's too early to say. Here's hoping for the best! -
Dan Oravasaari
I don't think it is impossible for a new developer to take the reins for MGS and create something as equally interesting or entertaining. But, my biggest concern regarding Kojima's departure is what Konami is going to do with the franchise.
With so many established franchises hitting annual releases, I could see that they would want to shorten the time between releases and monetize on the IP more. Hopefully this won't be the case, but what ever happens, we will at least have The Phantom Pain.
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Stephen Bitto
Franchises like Metal Gear Solid and Silent Hill will undoubtedly continue with new entries from Konami post-Kojima. There is enough history behind both franchises for someone other than Kojima to preserve what fans love about the series while adding their own twist.As for Kojima's next move, I feel like the indie market is the perfect fit. His weird, unique personality is hindered by massive AAA releases. He would be better utilized on smaller, original titles with shorter development cycles. Just imagine if more of his crazy ideas could be seen in motion. That's a world I want to live in. -
Erren Van Duine
The situation with Kojima and Konami is unfortunate but I honestly don't blame the guy. He doesn't want to be stuck as the Metal Gear guy forever and Konami likely denied him the freedom he deserved. Hopefully KojiPro goes completely independent or is able to get bought up by someone who will treat them with respect to create what they want to, and not the same franchise over and over.
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Louis Edwards
One has to wonder if Kojima-san's unhappiness (or whatever you want to call it) with Konami dates back to Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. There's a game that started out playing somewhat like a Metal Gear game, but Kojima didn't like the direction it was headed and left the development process. Anyone that has played the game all the way through knows exactly where he stepped away and where someone else stepped in.
That begs the question: Can anyone else create a true Metal Gear game that isn't named Hideo Kojima?
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Paulmichael Conteras
Metal Gear Solid is likely here to stay. There's many more stories that can be told in that universe. You can only stick with one creative venture for so long. I think this may be Kojima's way of branching out. A terrifyingly awesome idea just occurred to me: imagine if he joined The Last Guardian's team? I already know the answer: we'd never see the game.
Perhaps Kojima will take some of his personal fortune, found a new independent company, and start an entirely new franchise that we all fall in love with all over again. That'd be best, I think.
