Konami Unveils Q&A Session With Hideo Kojima

July 16, 2009

Konami Unveils Q&A Session With
Hideo Kojima

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.
today revealed a Q&A session with legendary video game creator and head of
Kojima Productions, Hideo Kojima, and new screenshots from the highly
anticipated title coming to the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system in 2010,
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. This latest PSP installment picks up where Metal
Gear Solid®3 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system leaves off as
players take control of the famed Naked Snake. Taking place in 1974, Metal Gear
Solid: Peace Walker features original game design, story and scenario by Hideo
Kojima. The game takes the series in an exciting new direction with its
incredible visuals and its unique new game system designed specifically with the
PSP in mind.

HIDEO KOJIMA – Q/A

1) I bet many users had expected the
next MGS5 announcement. When did you start this project?

I actually had the plan for this
project in mind while working on MPO. Back then, I intended to place the project
in the hands of the next generation of creators at Kojima Productions. However,
in the end, I felt that it was still a little too early to leave it completely
in their hands, so I decided to take the reins.

This game is an MGS5-class game. I
am supervising, designing, producing, directing, and editing this title together
with the MGS4 team. Therefore in that sense, "METAL GEAR SOLID" has not ended,
and the "METAL GEAR SAGA" continues.

2) You have been telling for many
years that your ultimate theme is "Anti-war and Anti-nuclear weapon". Does this
theme continue in this title?

Absolutely. The METAL GEAR SOLID
series has always featured "Anti-war" and "Anti-nuke" themes. This title is no
exception.

In the event of an attack from a
neighboring country, I believe that finding a solution through diplomacy is
ideal. However, the fact is that even peaceful countries with no intention of
retaliating still maintain armies just for the sake of deterrence. I am sure
there are varied opinions regarding this subject, but I believe that it is our
generation’s role to "create peace through discussion." What makes things
complicated is that the youth of today have been born into a world where the
current situation is the norm, so it’s difficult to convey this message. That is
why my hope is to have players ponder and learn about why there are people who
advocate the "need for armies, military power, and nuclear weapons" so that they
may realize "why things turned out the way that they did" while they play this
game.

3) I understand that it is a
tactical espionage action game but could you provide some explanation for
bringing this title to the PSP platform? I saw 4 Snakes in the trailer presented
at E3, is this COOP?

The game will be stealth-action
based. I can’t reveal too many details yet, but we are implementing features
that can only be realized on the PSP platform that I believe everyone can look
forward to. The game will be a little different from the METAL GEAR that players
have come to know. However, the story can be replayed numerous times and the
game is full of challenges to complete, so I feel that this title will really
satisfy players with its long-lasting play time. Just as an example, do you
recall the cardboard box at the end of the Peace Walker trailer? In addition to
that two-man box, we are preparing a variety of other different cardboard boxes
this time around.

To give a little more insight into
the game, you can, how shall I say… customize Snake according to your
preferences and determine what kind of soldier you will use prior to embarking
on your mission. For example there’s heavy gear configurations that make a lot
of noise, but that allow you to equip numerous weapons. Or, there are other
configurations that won’t allow you to carry many weapons, but will allow you to
be light on your feet. We will be preparing a variety of other types as well.
Being able to make decisions and plot a strategy will be one of the really
enjoyable features of this title.

We are also working on a "growth
feature" as well, where your character evolves. It will be a new type of system,
so I hope everyone will look forward to it!

4) "You’re known for boot camps and
on site checks. This time which part would you like to stress about the reality
in terms of game quality?

We conduct research in many ways and
then begin game production. In regards to the quality of the game, the main
staff of MGS4 are producing it. They are aiming for PS3 quality because they
were creating MGS4 on the PS3 not too long ago. In reality it is hard to
maintain the same quality as the PS3 but we strive for it and we are expressing
this in ways only we can express it in.

5) Regarding the KJP countdown
teaser site, there were several signs as a message, could you explain what this
message is all about?


5=it is an MGS5 class game
S=Snake
巳=snake in Kanji
E=E3
R=Raiden
3=3 from 360 and E3
6=6 from 360
P and S=PSP and adding 3 makes it PS3

Aside from the Snake and Raiden
visuals, we featured a total of 10 "symbols" and when all of these are
rearranged, they form connections to the announcements that we made at E3.

The first symbols that appeared were
the number "5" and the letter "S" for Snake that represented PW which, to me, is
a "5" class title. "巳" not only hints at the lowercase lettering of "E" for E3,
but it is the kanji for the word "snake." Also, the symbol that appeared at the
very end is the kanji "日" and represents a sunny background and the sunrise that
links to RISING.

The "RISING" of "METAL GEAR SOLID
RISING" implies "the sun rising," "the sun shining," and "the sun shining on
Raiden" that was revealed in the visuals on the HP. In addition, "RISING" also
represents how "METAL GEAR SOLID" will be taking the next step up.

Going back to the symbols found on
the HP, they also link to "the day of 360" and also to each of the titles that
we announced at E3. When each of the symbols are rearranged, I think you’ll be
able to recognize E3, PSP, PS3, 360 and others. So everyone, how did you like
it? Were your predictions on the mark?


Click here to view all of the
screens for for

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker