Recently, Snake’s Japanese voice actor, Akio Otsuka, tweeted a farewell to Kojima Productions. Here is the message, as translated by Gematsu.
“Kojima Productions was forced to disband, but it appears that the work that the team has been putting their utmost effort into is nearly complete. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I expect it will become their greatest masterpiece. I couldn’t help it; I just wanted to say ‘Kept you waiting, huh?’ (laughs) But even if this is the end, Metal Gear Solid is immortal!”
While rumors, speculation, and hearsay have been claiming a similar fate for the beloved development team for quite awhile now, this is the closest to actual information most of the industry has received regarding their future. It’s unfortunate that Konami and Kojima Productions can’t reach an amicable outcome, but this could also be a good thing. As any devoted Metal Gear fan would recall, Hideo Kojima has been trying to leave the franchise ever since Metal Gear Solid 2. It’s more than likely that Kojima has been wanting to produce a new IP for a long time, and the conclusion of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain could finally be the time for him to pursue that goal. Whether the well-respected auteur and his team sign with another large company, follow an independent path, or leave the games industry altogether, TiCGN wishes them the best of luck with their futures.
