Career Timeline of Hideo Kojima: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Hideo Kojima, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Hideo Kojima is a celebrated Japanese video game designer recognized as a pioneer in the industry. His early passion for film and literature heavily influences his work. He joined Konami in 1986, where he created Metal Gear (1987), a groundbreaking title that established the stealth genre and became his signature franchise. While at Konami, he also produced the Zone of the Enders series and designed cinematic graphic adventure games like Snatcher (1988) and Policenauts (1994), solidifying his reputation for innovative and cinematic game design.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1986: Kojima Joined Konami's MSX Division

In 1986, Hideo Kojima joined Konami's MSX home computer division. He initially hoped to work on Famicom games but felt restricted by the MSX's 16 color palette.

1986: Kojima Joined Konami

In 1986, Hideo Kojima joined Konami. He began his career at Konami, where he would later create the Metal Gear franchise.

July 13, 1987: Metal Gear Released in Japan

On July 13, 1987, Metal Gear was released for the MSX2 home computer in Japan. The game revolves around Solid Snake's mission to stop the Metal Gear walking tank.

1987: Release of Metal Gear

In 1987, Hideo Kojima directed, designed, and wrote Metal Gear for the MSX2. This game established the foundations for the stealth genre and the Metal Gear franchise.

November 26, 1988: Snatcher Released in Japan

On November 26, 1988, Snatcher, a graphic adventure game written and directed by Hideo Kojima, was released in Japan for the NEC PC-8801 and MSX2 computer platforms. The cyberpunk-influenced game drew inspiration from film and anime.

1988: Release of Snatcher

In 1988, Hideo Kojima designed and wrote Snatcher, a graphic adventure game known for its cinematic presentation.

1990: Exploration of Policenauts Concepts

In 1990, Kojima began exploring concepts for Policenauts after experiencing memory limitation issues during Snatcher's development. He also developed a scripting engine after Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake.

1990: Work on Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake Began

In 1990, Kojima began work on Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake as a direct response to Konami's development of Snake's Revenge without his involvement.

1990: Release of SD Snatcher

In 1990, Kojima wrote SD Snatcher, a remake of Snatcher. The game adapted the storyline of the original but changed the environment, details, plot, and core gameplay mechanics.

July 29, 1994: Policenauts Released in Japan

On July 29, 1994, Policenauts was released in Japan for the PC-9821. Critics praised it for its high level of presentation, animation, voice acting, and engrossing setting.

1994: Release of Policenauts

In 1994, Hideo Kojima designed and wrote Policenauts, a graphic adventure game recognized for its cinematic presentation.

1994: Planning for Metal Gear Solid Begins

In 1994, Kojima began planning a 3D sequel to Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, titled Metal Gear Solid, originally for the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer.

2001: Zone of the Enders Release

Before the release of Metal Gear Solid 2, Kojima produced the game and anime franchise Zone of the Enders in 2001.

2001: Details of Metal Gear Solid 2 Released

In early 2001, Kojima released the first details of the sequel to Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, for the PlayStation 2. The detailed graphics and expanded gameplay made it highly anticipated.

2003: Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hand Release

In 2003, Kojima produced Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hand for the Game Boy Advance. Players used a solar weapon charged by a photometric sensor, encouraging them to play in sunlight.

November 17, 2004: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (North America)

On November 17, 2004, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater was released in North America. The game, set in 1964, focused on wilderness survival and espionage.

December 16, 2004: Metal Gear Acid Release (Japan)

On December 16, 2004, Metal Gear Acid, a turn-based strategy game for the PlayStation Portable, was released in Japan.

March 4, 2005: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (Europe)

On March 4, 2005, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater was released in Europe, continuing the positive reception of the game.

2005: Kojima Founded Kojima Productions

In 2005, Hideo Kojima founded Kojima Productions within Konami, marking a significant step in his career.

March 21, 2006: Metal Gear Acid 2 Release

On March 21, 2006, Metal Gear Acid 2, the sequel to Metal Gear Acid, was released.

June 2008: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Release

In June 2008, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, co-directed by Hideo Kojima and Shuyo Murata, was released.

2009: Interest in Western Collaboration

Before E3 2009, Kojima expressed interest in collaborating with a Western developer, leading to his partnership with MercurySteam on Castlevania: Lords of Shadow.