Connect with us

Gaming

Hideo Kojima banned from accepting “MGSVTPP” award by Konami

Published

on

hideo kojima MGSV. metal gear solid 5. the phantom pain. the action pixel. konami. @theactionpixel

mgsv: phantom pain. konami. Theactionpixel @theactionpixel 

This post could be considered my official application to be head of Konami’s PR department. I mean, how worse of a job could I do?
 
hideo kojima MGSV. metal gear solid 5. the phantom pain. the action pixel. konami. @theactionpixel 
Tension, or the implication of it, between Konami and legend Hideo Kojima isn’t news, with Silent Hills the epicenter of it all. A game that honestly is sad we won’t be able to see… at least for the time being. But MGS V is out, and as expected would be up for some prestigious award. And it was. So, Konami, in great profession fashion, decided Hideo Kojima, the spearhead of the success of Metal Gear Solid V and by extension, the whole Metal Gear Solid series, should be banned from attending The Game Awards 2015 in Los Angeles.

Metal Gear Solid V was up for four awards, including Game of the Year, and Kojima Studios was nominated for Developer of the Year. Actor Kiefer Sutherland took to the stage to accept the award MGSVTPP, which got Best Action/Adventure game.

 hideo kojima MGSV. metal gear solid 5. the phantom pain. the action pixel. konami. @theactionpixel 
Host Geoff Keighley took a moment to address both the audience, informing them of Kojima’s obvious absence. He explained that due to an employment contract with Konami, Kojima was not allowed to attend the show or to accept any awards on behalf of Metal Gear and the studio.

Which is weird, as it was Konami’s PR waffle that stated weeks earlier that Kojima was still employed at Konami, but on an ‘extended vacation’, all in an effort to dispel any beliefs of contention within Konami’s employment topography.

Keighley’s announcement, was understandably met with boos from the crowd, went on to give his two cents on the whole issue:

He’s [Kojima] still under an employment contract and it’s disappointing, and it’s inconceivable to me that an artist like Hideo would not be allowed to come here and celebrate with his peers and his fellow teammates.

It’s a real sad state of affairs. Not only does this get in the way of creative, good gaming, it adds an air of unprofessional pettiness, and despite whatever contention between Kojima and Konami, one can’t deny he has been integral to MGS’ success, as well as Konami’s, and if Konami wants to not give off a bad public image, the least they could do was have the man appear at The Game Awards to reap the rewards stemming from the success he helped build.

“We want to hear what you guys think. Was this in good taste? Did Konami have any right or basis to ban Kojima from accepting the award for ‘Metal Gear Solid: The Phantom Pain’? leave a comment or get back at us on Twitter @TheActionPixel

Continue Reading
Advertisement