Konami, the Japanese video game publisher, has sparked controversy by omitting the name of Hideo Kojima, the creator of the Metal Gear Solid series, from the credits of the upcoming Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol 1. The collection, which launches later this week on PS5 and PS4, includes remastered versions of Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.
A Strained Relationship
Hideo Kojima is widely regarded as one of the most influential and visionary game developers in the industry, having created the Metal Gear franchise in 1987. He is known for his cinematic storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, and complex themes. He was also the director, producer, and writer of most of the games in the series.
However, his relationship with Konami deteriorated over the years, due to creative differences, budget issues, and internal conflicts. In 2015, Konami announced that Kojima would leave the company after the release of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, the final installment of the series. Kojima’s name and logo were removed from the game’s cover art and promotional materials, and he was barred from attending the Game Awards ceremony that year.
Since then, Kojima has formed his own independent studio, Kojima Productions, which released Death Stranding in 2019. He is currently working on a sequel for the PS5, which is expected to be revealed soon.
A Disrespectful Move
While Kojima’s name is still present throughout the games in the collection, as he was credited in the original versions, he has been removed from the credits of the collection itself. The new wrappers for the games simply thank “all Metal Gear staff and fans”, and do not individually acknowledge each contributing employee.
Many fans and critics have expressed their disappointment and anger at Konami’s decision, calling it disrespectful and petty. They argue that Kojima deserves recognition for his work and legacy, and that Konami is trying to erase his contributions to the series. Some have even called for a boycott of the collection, or suggested buying used copies instead.
Konami has not commented on the matter yet, but it is unlikely that they will change their stance. The company has been accused of mistreating its employees and neglecting its core franchises in favor of mobile games and gambling machines. It has also shown little interest in continuing the Metal Gear series without Kojima, having released only a poorly received spin-off called Metal Gear Survive in 2018.
A Bittersweet Celebration
The Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol 1 is meant to be a celebration of one of the most acclaimed and influential game series of all time. The collection features enhanced graphics, performance, and sound for the PS5 and PS4 versions of the games. It also includes bonus content such as art books, soundtracks, and documentaries.
However, for many fans and gamers, the collection will also be a reminder of how Konami and Kojima parted ways in a bitter and ugly manner. The collection will be incomplete without Kojima’s name in the credits, as he was the driving force behind the series. It will also raise questions about whether Konami will ever release a second volume of the collection, which would include Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
The Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol 1 will be available on October 27th for $59.99 USD.
