It is anticipated that Hideo Kojima's name will be absent from the credit roll of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol 1, which is set to launch later this week on PS5 and PS4. The game's new wrappers pay a collective tribute to “all Metal Gear staff and fans," and not individually to each team member who took part in its creation. This omission is arguably conspicuous, as Kojima was a significant contributor to the series. Interestingly, the original credit list remains intact within the games.
Kojima's omission from the credits brings to light the tense relationship between the video game designer and Konami, the publisher of Metal Gear Solid, which became public knowledge almost a decade ago. Kojima's fallout with the company was widely publicized, with reports of disagreements over development timelines and budget cuts adding fuel to the speculations. Following his departure from Konami, Kojima proceeded to form his own game production company, Kojima Productions. His most recent project, Death Stranding, garnered significant acclaim in the gaming world. Thanks to its success, a sequel is currently in the works for the PS5.
Kojima's previous history with Konami indicates that recognition for his contributions to the Metal Gear Solid series has always been of contention. The famed video game auteur, known for his obsessive attention to detail and expansive, story-driven games, had his name removed from the cover of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain in 2015. This move was a topic of much controversy, and many fans perceived it as an attempt to erase Kojima's legacy from the series.
The decision not to mention Kojima in the collection's credit roll might be seen as a logical outcome of the existing tensions between him and Konami. In the end, it isn't entirely surprising that Kojima's active contributions to the iconic Metal Gear Solid series are currently unrecognized in the new collection. While his fans may lament this omission, it serves as a glaring symbol of his uneasy relationship with Konami. However, it also raises a ray of anticipation for Kojima's future ventures.
Considering that Metal Gear Solid was a defining series in Kojima's career, his future projects further amplify his pursuits outside the bounds of Konami. His new studio's recent game release, Death Stranding, exemplifies Kojima's distinctive narrative style, thematic exploration, and attention to craftsmanship that fans have come to expect from his long-standing career.
While Metal Gear Solid fans may be disappointed to see Kojima not being credited in the re-released collection, they can still take comfort in knowing that some exciting projects are set to come from the renowned video game designer. For one, anticipation is already building for the sequel to Death Stranding, a PS5 project.
Despite the contentious nature of their past, Konami's tribute to "all Metal Gear staff and fans" indicates an appreciation for the collective effort that went into the iconic series. It seems then that even though Kojima's relationship with Konami has been strained, his influence continues to be felt across the industry. Such is the lasting impact of a creative mind that has made significant contributions to the world of gaming.
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