Exactly what happened between Konami and Hideo Kojima is unlikely to ever be made public, but it's clear that it put the Metal Gear Solid creator in a mentally dark place. As part of an excellent New Yorker report, the auteur has revealed that he considered taking a "mind-cleansing" trip to a desert island in the aftermath of his departure, but a "Hollywood friend" talked him out of it.
"Hearing that affirmed to me that my role in this world is to keep on making big games for as long as I can," he told the amazing Simon Parkin. "That is the mission I've been given in life." For those that don't know, the veteran has established a new independent studio named Kojima Productions, which will build its first game as a PlayStation 4 console exclusive.
This news, of course, was first reported by Nikkei, and there's some insinuation that Konami purposely leaked a memo to the Japanese newspaper in order to steal the veteran's thunder. We've also heard on the grapevine that PlayStation's partnership with Kojima was supposed to be announced at PlayStation Experience, but the publisher blocked the reveal due to the luminary's contract.
Whatever happened behind closed doors, it sounds like Kojima's departure from his employer of almost 30 years was not friendly. And unfortunately, given the limited information that we have available, it's Konami that comes off looking spiteful in all of this. It's perhaps a good thing that the publisher seemingly has zero interest in making console games moving forwards, isn't it?
[source newyorker.com]
Comments 13
What did Konami do to this man?
@Aslanmagic They made him rich and spoiled.
Perhaps while he is on a desert island we don't have to put up with him for a little while.
(Note: I like Metal Gear Solid games).
@VanillaLake thank goodness he ain't going on no damn island.
It's good to know that Kojima still has the desires to continue making games. I think cultural differences also played a part with his departure from Konami. It's obvious that Kojima is inspired by western devs, so it doesn't leave him to be narrow minded in creating games. As I said before I'm not MGS fan. But I respect the hard work put in, and also the fan base.
Kojima will do well with Sony. May Yah bless him.
http://tinyurl.com/Dessert-island
@Boerewors lol.
Man, I have a feeling it became seriously personal there. I hope one day we actually learn some of what went on, so those responsible can be named and shamed.
@Boerewors I would love to go there dam kojimas missing out
Quit playing around, Snake. ........Snake? SSSNNNAAAKKEEE!!!!
Konami gone totally evil. I know that it is business and all, but there is always a place for dignity, smile and respect.
I saw konami put up a listing for staff for a new metal gear game. So I don't think they are done with making money. They see mobile and pachincos as big money in the asian market. But console are still money here in the west.
The real challenge for Kojima would be to only put his name in the end credits.
@NomNom think anyone will buy the games though? Gamers are a fickle bunch, but I can't see myself buying another Konami mental gear... I don't really care what went on but Kojima IS metal gear for me, and I wouldn't be too interested in some wanna be project. Who knows though maybe it'll be amazing.... ;o
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