It’s great when games designers can be objective in viewing the state of the industry, and don’t just think it’s all about their game or genre. Hideo Kojima, for example, makes games for gamers; you’re grandmother isn’t going to play Zone of the Enders or Metal Gear Solid. But despite this affinity for making games that suit the hardcore, he acknowledges the casual space and doesn’t hate on it.
"Casual games have become mainstream in the industry. It’s not just a Japanese phenomenon but also something that’s happening worldwide. There are new markets and possibilities opening up thanks to the trend, which is great."
Now, you might be a little afraid at this point. Wondering if Mr. Kojima was thinking of alienating the community by making Metal Gear Island: Party Game Sensation for the Wii as his next title? He isn’t. Although I bet Metal Gear Island would be a fantastic game. You can play as Solid Snake or Grey Fox or whoever, and you have to wander around an island that is a game board and complete crazy tasks to earn points. Think Mario Party meets Raving Rabbids.
Sorry, I got a little lost in my mind there. Hideo Kojima is not going to be making casual games, even though he acknowledges their force in the industry.
"But on the other hand, we shouldn’t forget about the hardcore gamers whose lives are about videogames. The gamers who consider video games a subculture, and enjoy taking their time to sit down and play games that gives them energy and courage. I wanted to remind those gamers about the fun of video games. I know that we’re going against the trend, but we’ve been working hard for the past four years so that the fire [of non-casual games] won’t blow out."
So MGS4 is not a casual game by any means. That’s probably for the best. I did like that he said making a game for the hardcore gamers is "going against the trend." I personally don’t mind the bombardment of mini and casual games so long as the companies can continue to put out games like BioShock and Metal Gear and Rainbow Six. Like Kojima, I’ll take it all please. Thank you.
[via Nintendo Everything]
