History of Hideo Kojima in Timeline
Hideo Kojima is a celebrated Japanese video game designer and auteur. His childhood passion for film and literature significantly shaped his game development style. Joining Konami in 1986, he created Metal Gear (1987) for the MSX2, a groundbreaking title that established the stealth genre and launched the acclaimed Metal Gear franchise. At Konami, Kojima also produced the Zone of the Enders series and designed cinematic graphic adventure games like Snatcher (1988) and Policenauts (1994), further cementing his reputation for innovative storytelling and presentation in video games.
August 24, 1963: Hideo Kojima's Birth
On August 24, 1963, Hideo Kojima was born. He would later become a celebrated video game designer.
1964: Setting of Metal Gear Solid 3
In 1964, the setting for Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is set during the Cold War in a Soviet jungle, influencing the game's wilderness survival, camouflage, and James Bond styled espionage elements.
1982: Influence of Blade Runner
In 1982, Ridley Scott's Blade Runner was released, later serving as heavy inspiration for Kojima's Snatcher, with many references to the film.
1983: The Portopia Serial Murder Case Inspiration
In 1983, Yuji Horii's 'The Portopia Serial Murder Case' inspired Hideo Kojima to enter the video game industry, with its mystery, 3D dungeon, humor, and explanation of the crime expanding Kojima's view of video games' potential.
1985: Inspiration From Super Mario Bros.
In 1985, Shigeru Miyamoto's 'Super Mario Bros.' served as an inspiration to Hideo Kojima to enter the video game industry.
1986: Kojima Joined Konami's MSX Division
In 1986, Hideo Kojima joined Konami's MSX home computer division as his introduction to the video game industry, after seeking out the company due to its presence on the Japanese stock exchange.
1986: Kojima Joined Konami
In 1986, Hideo Kojima joined Konami, a video game company. This marked the beginning of his career in the gaming industry, where he would later create the acclaimed Metal Gear franchise.
1987: Release of Metal Gear
In 1987, Hideo Kojima directed, designed, and wrote "Metal Gear" for the MSX2. This game became the foundation for the stealth genre and the Metal Gear franchise, establishing Kojima as a prominent figure in the gaming world.
1988: Design and Writing of Snatcher
In 1988, Hideo Kojima designed and wrote "Snatcher", a graphic adventure game. The game is known for its cinematic presentation, showcasing Kojima's unique storytelling approach.
1990: Exploration of Policenauts Concepts
In 1990, Kojima began exploring concepts for Policenauts after memory limitation issues during Snatcher's development, leading to the creation of a scripting engine for greater creative control.
1990: Release of SD Snatcher
In 1990, Kojima wrote a remake of "Snatcher", "SD Snatcher", a role-playing video game that adapted the storyline but significantly changed the environments, plot details, and core gameplay mechanics.
1990: Work on Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake Begins
In 1990, after learning about Konami's development of "Snake's Revenge" without his involvement, Kojima began working on his own sequel, "Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake".
July 29, 1994: Policenauts Released in Japan
On July 29, 1994, Policenauts was released in Japan for the PC-9821, receiving praise from critics for its high level of presentation, animation quality, voice acting, and engrossing setting.
1994: Design and Writing of Policenauts
In 1994, Hideo Kojima designed and wrote "Policenauts", a graphic adventure game. Like "Snatcher", "Policenauts" is regarded for its cinematic presentation, further solidifying Kojima's reputation for blending film techniques with video games.
1994: Planning Metal Gear Solid
In 1994, Hideo Kojima started planning a 3D sequel to Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, initially titled Metal Gear Solid and intended for the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer.
1996: Metal Gear Solid Gameplay Demo
In 1996, a gameplay demo of Metal Gear Solid was first revealed to the public at the Tokyo Game Show, showcasing the transition from 2D to 3D graphics.
1997: Metal Gear Solid Shown at E3
In 1997, Metal Gear Solid was showcased at E3 with a short video, generating anticipation for its innovative stealth gameplay and cinematic qualities.
2000: Favorite Games Listed
In 2000, Hideo Kojima listed 'Another World' on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, 'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past', 'Operation Wolf's' arcade version, 'The Portopia Serial Murder Case' on the Famicom, 'Super Mario Bros.', and 'Xevious's' arcade version as his favorite games. He also stated that 'A Link to the Past' was his favorite game by Miyamoto.
2000: Release of Vagrant Story
In 2000, Square released "Vagrant Story", a role-playing game featuring a battle system similar to the one introduced in Kojima's "SD Snatcher".
2001: Production of Zone of the Enders
In 2001, prior to the release of Metal Gear Solid 2, Kojima produced the game and anime franchise Zone of the Enders to moderate success.
2001: First 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, making it one of the most anticipated games at the time due to its detailed graphics, physics, and expanded gameplay.
2002: Named One of Top Ten People by Newsweek
In 2002, Newsweek named Hideo Kojima as one of the top ten people of the year.
2003: Production of Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hand
In 2003, Kojima produced Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hand for the Game Boy Advance, a unique game where players use a solar weapon charged by sunlight.
December 16, 2004: Release of Metal Gear Acid
On December 16, 2004, Metal Gear Acid, a turn-based strategy game, was released in Japan for the PlayStation Portable.
2005: Foundation of Kojima Productions
In 2005, Hideo Kojima founded Kojima Productions within Konami, marking a significant step in his career by establishing his own studio.
March 21, 2006: Release of Metal Gear Acid 2
On March 21, 2006, Metal Gear Acid 2, the sequel to the turn-based strategy game, was released.
2007: Engadget on Kojima's Playfulness
In 2007, J. C. Fletcher of Engadget commented on Hideo Kojima's "postmodern playfulness" in stylizing character designs in "SD Snatcher", noting it as a precursor to similar elements in his later games.
June 2008: Release of Metal Gear Solid 4
In June 2008, Hideo Kojima co-directed "Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots" with Shuyo Murata.
2008: MTV Game Awards Lifetime Achievement Award
At the 2008 MTV Game Awards, Hideo Kojima was given the award show's first Lifetime Achievement Award for a game designer.
2008: Release of Fallout 3
In 2008, Bethesda Softworks released "Fallout 3", a role-playing game featuring a battle system similar to the one introduced in Kojima's "SD Snatcher".
2008: Placed Seventh in Next-Gen's Hot 100 Developers List
In 2008, Next-Gen placed Hideo Kojima seventh in their list of "Hot 100 Developers 2008".
2009: IGN Top Game Creators and Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2009, IGN placed Hideo Kojima sixth in their list of top game creators of all time. He was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2009 Game Developers Conference.
2009: Return to Metal Gear Series
In 2009, despite previously announcing his departure, Hideo Kojima announced at E3 2009 that he would return to work on two Metal Gear games: 'Metal Gear Solid: Rising' as a producer and 'Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker' as writer, director, and producer. At Gamescom 2009, he explained that he got more involved with 'Peace Walker' due to confusion within the team.
2010: Release of Last Rebellion
In 2010, Nippon Ichi released "Last Rebellion", a role-playing game featuring a battle system similar to the one introduced in Kojima's "SD Snatcher".
April 1, 2011: Promotion to Executive Vice President at Konami
On April 1, 2011, Hideo Kojima was promoted to Executive Vice President and Corporate Officer in Konami Digital Entertainment. He also revealed "transfarring" at E3 2011, allowing gamers to transfer data between the PlayStation 3 and PSP.
July 8, 2011: Announcing Project S: Sdatcher
On July 8, 2011, Hideo Kojima announced that Project S was a radio-show sequel to Snatcher, titled Sdatcher. The show was set to air on Fridays on Kojima's bi-weekly Internet radio show, starting with episode No. 300.
August 2011: Sdatcher Radio Show Debut
In August 2011, Hideo Kojima's radio show sequel to Snatcher, titled Sdatcher, started airing with episode No. 300 on Kojima's bi-weekly Internet radio show.
2011: Appointment as Vice President
In 2011, Hideo Kojima was appointed Vice President of Konami Digital Entertainment, demonstrating his increased role and influence within the company.
2011: Metal Gear Solid: Rising Renamed
In late 2011, 'Metal Gear Solid: Rising' was renamed 'Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance', with PlatinumGames joining Kojima Productions in development. Kojima is the game's executive producer and showed interest in working in the game's demo. Kojima was satisfied with the final product and expressed the possibility of a sequel if Platinum were to develop it in 2011.
August 18, 2012: Interest in Silent Hill Game
On August 18, 2012, Hideo Kojima indicated his interest in making a 'Silent Hill' game, expressing excitement about using the Fox Engine on eighth-generation platforms via a tweet of the 'Silent Hill' film DVD image.
2013: Unveiling Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
At the 2013 Game Developers Conference, Hideo Kojima unveiled 'Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain', planned as his final 'Metal Gear' game, preceded by 'Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes'.
August 2014: PT Release and Silent Hills Announcement
In August 2014, the playable teaser 'PT' was released on the PlayStation Store, revealing that a new 'Silent Hill' game titled 'Silent Hills' was being directed by Kojima for the PlayStation 4, in collaboration with Guillermo del Toro.
2014: Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes NAVGTR Nomination
At the 2014 National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers (NAVGTR) awards, Hideo Kojima was credited for Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes' nomination for the category Game, Franchise Adventure.
2014: Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes Release
In 2014, 'Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes' was released as a shorter game serving as a prologue to 'The Phantom Pain'.
2014: UNESCO Bradford City of Film Award
In 2014, UNESCO's Bradford City of Film gave Hideo Kojima the inaugural award for Cinematography in Videogames, "for his astounding directing, storytelling, and cinematography" in video games.
March 2015: Reports of Parting Ways with Konami
In March 2015, reports surfaced indicating that Kojima would leave Konami after releasing 'The Phantom Pain'. Konami announced auditioning for new staff and removed Kojima's name from marketing materials.
April 2015: Silent Hills Cancellation
In April 2015, 'PT' was removed from the PlayStation Store, and the game 'Silent Hills' was officially cancelled, ending Kojima's involvement in the project.
July 10, 2015: Closure of Kojima Productions
On July 10, 2015, Akio Ōtsuka, Kojima's collaborative voice actor, revealed that Konami had closed Kojima Productions, signaling a significant shift in Kojima's career.
October 2015: Reports of Kojima's Departure and Konami's Statement
Despite reports that Kojima left the company in October 2015, a Konami spokesman stated he was "taking a long time off from work."
December 2015: Konami Prevents Kojima from Attending The Game Awards
In December 2015, Hideo Kojima was invited to accept an award from The Game Awards 2015 for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, but was prevented from attending by Konami.
December 16, 2015: Re-establishment of Kojima Productions and Partnership with Sony
On December 16, 2015, Kojima announced that Kojima Productions would be re-established as an independent studio, partnered with Sony Computer Entertainment, and that his first game would be exclusive to PlayStation 4, marking a new chapter in his career.
2015: Departure from Konami and Reformation of Kojima Productions
In 2015, Hideo Kojima departed from Konami and refounded Kojima Productions as an independent studio. This move allowed him greater creative freedom.
February 2016: AIAS Hall of Fame Award
In February 2016, Hideo Kojima received the AIAS Hall of Fame Award at the 19th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards.
February 18, 2016: Adventure Game of the Year at D.I.C.E. Awards
On February 18, 2016, 'Metal Gear Solid V' won the award for Adventure Game of the Year at the 19th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards.
December 2016: Industry Icon Award at The Game Awards
In December 2016, Hideo Kojima was able to attend The Game Awards 2016 and accepted the Industry Icon Award.
2016: Death Stranding Announcement at E3
At E3 2016, Kojima personally announced the game's title as 'Death Stranding' in a trailer. The trailer featured Norman Reedus, whom Kojima had previously worked with on the cancelled 'Silent Hills'.
2016: Launch of YouTube Channel
In 2016, Hideo Kojima launched his own YouTube channel, where he and film critic Kenji Yano discuss their favorite films and matters pertaining to Kojima's studio.
2016: Prescience of Metal Gear Solid 2 Cited
In 2016, reinterpretations of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty's plot began to surface, with some considering the game "misunderstood" in its time, eerily prescient, and "necessary for the political climate to come" for predicting some of the cultural issues of the 2010s with striking accuracy. GamesRadar+ cited the prescience of the game in relation to the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica data scandal and the Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections.
October 12, 2017: Lifetime Achievement Award at Brasil Game Show
On October 12, 2017, Hideo Kojima received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Brasil Game Show.
2017: Kojima's Mother's Death
In early 2017, Hideo Kojima's mother passed away.
2017: Regular Contributor to Rolling Stone
Starting in 2017, Kojima became a regular contributor to Rolling Stone, often discussing recent film releases and drawing comparisons to his own works.
November 8, 2019: Death Stranding Release
On November 8, 2019, 'Death Stranding' was released. It received generally positive reviews and was a commercial success. It also won a number of awards.
November 2019: Future Film Production Plans
In November 2019, Hideo Kojima told BBC Newsbeat that Kojima Productions will start making films, foreseeing movies, TV shows, and games competing in the same space due to streaming technology.
2019: Publication of The Gifted Gene and My Lovable Memes in Japan
In 2019, Hideo Kojima published a collection of essays in Japan discussing the influence of pop culture on his work under the title 'The Gifted Gene and My Lovable Memes'.
2019: Polygon's Review of Penguin Adventure
In 2019, Julia Lee of Polygon highlighted the in-depth features of "Penguin Adventure", a game Kojima worked on over 30 years prior, recognizing its advanced gameplay elements for its time.
2019: Release of Death Stranding
In 2019, Kojima Productions, now independent, released its first game, "Death Stranding". This release marked a new chapter in Kojima's career outside of Konami.
2020: Venice International Film Festival Jury Member
In 2020, Hideo Kojima was a member of the international Jury of the 77th Venice International Film Festival, Virtual Reality section.
2020: BAFTA Fellowship
In 2020, Hideo Kojima was named a BAFTA Fellowship at the British Academy Games Awards, making him the second Japanese person to receive the award for work on video games after Shigeru Miyamoto.
2020: Similarities between Death Stranding and COVID-19 Pandemic Noted
In early 2020, numerous journalists noted similarities between Kojima's Death Stranding and the COVID-19 pandemic, including the game's focus on the themes of isolation, loneliness, and political divide.
October 2021: Publication of The Creative Gene in English
In October 2021, Hideo Kojima's collection of essays was published in English by Viz Media under the title 'The Creative Gene: How Books, Movies, and Music Inspired the Creator of Death Stranding and Metal Gear Solid'.
January 20, 2022: Industry Legend Award from Arab Game Awards
On January 20, 2022, Hideo Kojima received an Industry Legend Award from the Arab Game Awards.
March 15, 2022: Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts
On March 15, 2022, Hideo Kojima announced on Twitter that he had received the 72nd Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts from the Japanese Agency of Cultural Affairs.
June 2022: Collaboration with Xbox Game Studios and Podcast Launch
In June 2022, Kojima and Microsoft revealed that Kojima Productions would be working on a game with Xbox Game Studios using Microsoft's cloud-based technology. Also in 2022, Kojima launched a podcast for Spotify called 'Hideo Kojima presents Brain Structure'.
2022: Teasing New Game and Casting Announcements
Throughout 2022, Kojima cryptically teased the casting of an upcoming game being developed by Kojima Productions, with Elle Fanning and Shioli Kutsuna confirmed to star.
December 14, 2023: Death Stranding Film Adaptation Announcement
On December 14, 2023, Kojima and film studio A24 announced that a live-action feature film adaptation of 'Death Stranding' is being produced, expanding the franchise to cinema.
2023: No Further News on Adventure Game
As of 2023, no further news regarding the collaboration between Kojima, Suda and Shikura for a new adventure game visual novel has been released.
2023: Announcement of OD at The Game Awards
At The Game Awards 2023, Kojima and Jordan Peele announced a new game, titled 'OD', published by Xbox Game Studios, starring Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and Udo Kier.
January 31, 2024: New Action-Espionage Game Announcement
On January 31, 2024, during the PlayStation State of Play event, Kojima announced that he is working a new action-espionage genre game after 'Death Stranding 2'.
2024: Death Stranding 2 Title Reveal
During the 2024 Playstation State of Play event, the final title for Death Stranding 2 was confirmed to be Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, with returning and new cast members announced.
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