Internet Reacts To News ‘Hideo Kojima’ Could Be Out At Konami, And It’s Not Good
The Internet apparently loves Hideo Kojima, and why not? Kojima is responsible for some of gaming’s most historic franchises, specifically the famed Metal Gear Solid series.
So when news broke yesterday via Gamespot, as reported by the Inquisitr, that Hideo Kojima and his staff might be forced out of Konami following the release of Metal Gear Solid V later this year, the Internet obviously had a lot to say on the matter. Kojima is very vocal on Twitter himself, and took to his account to share his thoughts on the matter.
Heading off.pic.twitter.com/JWyh4DbeIY”
— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) March 16, 2015
One of the most prolific game developers to come out of Japan, Kojima has been a force in the gaming industry for decades. Konami, once a powerhouse in the late 80s and early 90s, has in recent years waned in popularity due to subpar IP. One constant has always been there for the Japanese game developer: Kojima and his franchises. Now it seems Konami wants him out, going so far as to restrict phones, emails and Internet to his team.
Naturally, the Internet had something to say, most having to do with Konami’s recent success, or lack thereof.
RIP Metal Gear. Now all Konami has left is Jikkyou Powerful Pro Baseball and Winning Eleven. Way to cultivate your IP.
— Cheesemeister ????? (@Cheesemeister3k) March 19, 2015
#Konami don't you dare break my heart!! I can't handle it. This can kill me.
— Cazmatonic Event (@pigeonFOO) March 20, 2015
Reminder: this was Konami's E3 booth last year. pic.twitter.com/RePN1PEH6Z
— Hoff-Genie Hero (@ChrisTheHoff) March 19, 2015
Few people in the gaming industry are as internationally respected as Hideo Kojima. Taking over the original Metal Gear project in Kojima’s early Konami days, Hideo is largely responsible for instilling the stealth gameplay elements that would define the series. In fact, Metal Gear was one of the first “stealth action” games, where avoiding combat was more important than actually confronting your enemy head on.
Kojima went on in 1998 to release Metal Gear Solid on the PlayStation to critical acclaim. Hideo Kojima and his team have since contributed multiple Metal Gear games since, as well as helped reboot the long-loved Castlevania franchise with a title in 2010 dubbed Castlevania: Lords of Shadow.
The reasons behind Konami’s insistence to bleed talent ever come out is irrelevant. Konami likely has their reasons, but recent history with the company has a lot of fans skeptical about the move. Kojima’s contributions to the games industry are well documented, and without his work it would be a much darker place. Kojima and his staff are focusing on Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, but what is next remains to be seen.
Angry or shocked by the news regarding Hideo Kojima and Konami? Voice your thoughts in the comments below.
[Image via Kotaku]
