Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes ‘Was Meant to Be an Experiment’ for Episodic Format
Hideo Kojima originally considered Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes as an episodic experiment. This was the prologue to 2015’s Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
Kojima elaborated on the development of Ground Zeroes to mark the ninth anniversary of its release. “It was actually my big intention to launch GZ. It takes him 4-5 years to develop a full game. Times change during production,” Kojima said on Twitter (below) .
In fact, it was my big intention to launch GZ. It takes him four to five years to develop a full game. Times change during production. Therefore, we came up with an episodic format in which each episode is produced and distributed like a distribution drama. GZ was experimental. https://t.co/EeyJAs2HCR
— Hideo Kojima (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) March 20, 2023
He also explained that Metal Gear Solid V’s prologue is an introduction to Snake’s theme of revenge and retribution in the Phantom Pain story. said it would release on consoles, the game’s Fox Engine, an open-world concept, and would introduce a new direction for the franchise with the upcoming Metal Gear Solid V. Gather feedback from Ground Zero before the release of Phantom Pain.
The Metal Gear Solid franchise has been on hold since 2018’s Metal Gear Survive, which Kojima hasn’t been involved with since leaving the company in 2015. It’s reportedly remaking Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.
IGN’s Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes review stated, “Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes is a short but rewarding game, and those looking to throw away conventional expectations will find it more than what first glance might suggest. You’ll find much more here.”
George Yang is a freelance writer for IGN. He has been writing about the industry since his 2019 and has worked with other publications such as Insider, Kotaku, NPR and Variety.
When he’s not writing about video games, George plays them. surprised! You can follow him on Twitter @Yinyangfooey.
