Metal Gear Pioneered a Storytelling Concept in Stealth Games

Hideo Kojima Reflects on Metal Gear's 37th Anniversary: The Radio Transceiver's Revolutionary Storytelling

July 13th marked the 37th anniversary of Konami's groundbreaking stealth action-adventure game, Metal Gear. Creator Hideo Kojima used this milestone to reflect on the game's innovative features and the evolution of the gaming industry. In a series of insightful tweets, Kojima highlighted the game's radio transceiver as a pivotal invention.

While Metal Gear is lauded for its stealth mechanics, Kojima emphasized the radio transceiver's role in revolutionizing video game storytelling. This in-game communication tool, utilized by Solid Snake, provided players with crucial narrative information, including boss identities, character betrayals, and team member deaths. Kojima explained that this feature not only advanced the plot but also served as a valuable gameplay aid, guiding players and clarifying game mechanics.

Kojima's tweet stated, "Metal Gear was packed with things that were ahead of its time, but the biggest invention was including the concept of a radio transceiver in the storytelling." He highlighted the transceiver's interactive nature, allowing the narrative to dynamically respond to player actions, creating a more immersive and engaging experience. He contrasted this with situations where crucial plot developments occur off-screen, potentially disconnecting the player emotionally. The transceiver, he argued, maintained player engagement by simultaneously presenting the player's current situation and foreshadowing events involving other characters. He expressed pride in this "gimmick's" enduring influence, noting its continued use in many modern shooter games.

Kojima's Ongoing Creative Journey: OD, Death Stranding 2, and the Future of Game Development

At 60, Kojima also addressed the impact of age on his creative process. While acknowledging physical limitations, he emphasized the value of accumulated knowledge, experience, and wisdom in anticipating societal trends and project outcomes. He believes this enhances the "accuracy of creation" throughout the entire game development lifecycle, from planning to release.

Kojima, renowned for his cinematic storytelling approach, continues to push creative boundaries. Currently, he's collaborating with Jordan Peele on a project titled OD and overseeing the development of Death Stranding 2, which will be adapted into a live-action film by A24.

Looking ahead, Kojima expressed optimism about the future of game development, confident that technological advancements will empower developers to achieve previously unimaginable feats. He concluded, "By borrowing the help of technology, 'creation' has become easier and more convenient. As long as I do not lose my passion for 'creation,' I believe I can keep going."