Kojima talks himself out of the running for 'most modest man ever' award

Poor Hideo Kojima. He does his best to encourage other people to achieve great things, but they always disappoint him and he ends up having to step in and do it himself. At least that's what he said at a recent talk at the University of Southern California. We appreciate the saying 'if you want something done properly, do it yourself' holds some sway, but you're not supposed to actually admit it!

Above: How we imagine the scene looks at Kojima Productions when the intervention happens

Way to knock the guy you 'raised up' right back down again. However, there is one man who he's happy to share the creative process with - Yoji Shinkawa, who works on character, environment and mechanical designs in the MGS series. Kojima added: "I am basically a very individual type of person - I approach games like an indie movie. Previously you saw the Snatcher design docs up on the screen - I actually wrote all those and did all the scripting and everything myself as well. Inside I still have that feeling, I want to do everything myself. But at the same time it's not really possible to do that these days.

"But when I work with Shinkawa-san, it's a little bit different. I don't feel limitations. In fact, there's a sort of synergy that happens there. And I find that by exposing myself to his ideas and his sensibilities, we're able to come up with some really cool and unique things. Really, Shinkawa-san is the only person I've had that feeling, had that experience with, and I just love working with him."

Finally, Kojima also said he wants the Metal Gear Solid series to continue after his eventual death. No doubt his spirit will haunt the director of that game too. Presumably demanding longer cut-scenes.

10 Oct, 2011

Source: Gametrailers

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Justin was a GamesRadar staffer for 10 years but is now a freelancer, musician and videographer. He's big on retro, Sega and racing games (especially retro Sega racing games) and currently also writes for Play Magazine, Traxion.gg, PC Gamer and TopTenReviews, as well as running his own YouTube channel. Having learned to love all platforms equally after Sega left the hardware industry (sniff), his favourite games include Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams, Zelda BotW, Sea of Thieves, Sega Rally Championship and Treasure Island Dizzy.