Hideo Kojima reportedly snubbed from Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection
The Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection has been a long time coming for some fans. A package with a similar structure was released back on the PS3, but Sony managed to box PS3 titles onto their home console with their lack of backwards compatibility.
Now PlayStation, PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch players are getting the chance to play the first three titles in the MGS series, as well as the classic Metal Gear games that inspired them.
The trouble that many have had with the collection, is the natural lack of involvement from franchise mastermind Hideo Kojima - and now, that lack of involvement has worked backwards.
Kojima isn't credited in the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection
It has been revealed by multiple Twitch streamers that are playing the game before its launch that Hideo Kojima's name isn't anywhere to be seen in the credits of the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection.
Though the man didn't work on the collection itself, you'd expect his work to be reflected in the package, but it seems that Konami didn't think it necessary.
Kojima appears in the credits for the individual games themselves, as the credits there are simply pulled over from the original releases. Meanwhile, the credits on the package thank "all original Metal Gear series staff and fans."
As noted by VGC, there is some sort of nod to Kojima, although it's not the best one. There's a warning message that reads, "This game contains expressions and themes which may be considered outdated. Kojima isn't mentioned by name, but the next part makes for some interesting reading.
The statement continues, "These elements have been included without alteration to preserve the historical context in which the game was made and the creator’s original vision. Player discretion is advised." It's unconfirmed, but thought to be with the series' depiction of women and use of cigarettes.
Lack of credit in remasters is sadly common
Click to enlargeFrustratingly, it hasn't ended with Kojima and his rocky relationship with Konami, as recent years have brought similar complaints across the industry. Most notably, there was a collection of developers that took issue with the Metroid Prime remaster, that failed to include the original creators of the game in its credits.
Konami has no obligation to mention Kojima or actor David Hayter directly, but considering they did so much for MGS, it's a shame. Though many have a tendency to gloss over credits, they're crucial to hammering games into history - and omissions like this are more personally damaging than you'd think at first thought.
