Summary
LongtimeMetal Gear Solidfans have always held out the hope that maybe, just maybe, that Hideo Kojima would return to the tactical espionage action series. Of course, Kojima infamously split with Konami following the release ofMetal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, thus ending a near three-decade partnership. And as it turns out, Konami has been holding out the same hope as its fans.
In a live stream held on Friday, Metal Gear Solid series producer Noriaki Okamura shared that ‘it would be the dream" to work with Kojima and members of the original game development staff.His comments came during a Metal Gear production stream, where details about the upcomingMetal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eaterwere also shared. Here’s what Okamura had to say in full,credit to Video Games Chronicle for the transcription:
“But just speaking for myself, personally, I’d like nothing better than to work with Mr. Kojima and the rest of the team again. If that could happen, it would be the dream.
“But people have moved on to new things and new commitments, so that’s just our current reality. We can’t just take for granted that everyone would work with us again, or let ourselves be completely dependent on them.
“I just don’t think it’s right for us to be the ones to make that kind of demand of anyone. So we’re working with the expectation that whatever we make, it’s up to us, it’s on our shoulders to do a good job.”
In other words, it sounds like Konami would be amenable to a reunion with Kojima. That said, even if any lingering animosity has been cleared, Kojima has a full plate in front of him. The famed auteur is presently working onDeath Stranding 2, as well asOD. That’s not to mentionhis planned project called Physint, orthe Death Stranding movie.
Physint, in particular, is in many ways slated to be a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid. It’s being called a “next-generation action espionage” game, which sounds a lot like Metal Gear. It’ll also double as some sort of film, though details about how it’ll all work out remain to be seen.
So, even if Kojima did want to return, it definitely looks like he has his hands full. That said, never say never in the world of video games. In the interim, Okamura did reveal that Kojima and his crew would be credited in the Snake Eater remake. “They were already included in the Master Collection, and they’ll be listed in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater as well,” Okamura said. “They’re a part of these games too, so absolutely, they’re in.”
