"Games development these days is completely compartmentalized; you have people who do nothing but make the logo for a game," he tells Famitsu (translated by 1Up). "I think that's kind of a shame."

Kojima has been in the industry a good while now, and he offers this about where he sees it possibly going: "This point isn't limited to the game business, but if we don't have an environment where developers can make what they want and find an audience for it, then I think it's all going to come crashing down. I think we'll see fewer people wanting to get into games, and that's dangerous."

Maybe not fewer people wanting to go into games, but fewer creative people — and that is dangerous, indeed.

Kojima Reflects on Snatcher, Adventure Games [1Up]

Kojima is quoted in the release teasing that he'll be bringing along a "special guest", one whose identity remains unknown. Could Kojima be referring to an in-game guest? We'll find out in just two weeks. The English version of the press release does reveal that Kojima "will be using the presentation to disclose key gameplay secrets and highlight major additions to the Metal Gear universe."

My guess on the matter is that Konami will show an extended or remixed version of the E3 trailer and that Kojima will deviate from his recent playable demo at the PlayStation Premiere event in Tokyo. However, it's possible that Kojima will wow us all with a whole new hands-on scenario, a brand spankin' new trailer built from the ground up, and show Zone of the Enders 3 for the PLAYSTATION 3 and have Suda 51 on hand to show off the next game in the Snatcher project, just to rub it in my face.

Press release right after this.

Hideo Kojima comes to Leipzig!

Legendary Metal Gear Solid creator heads to Games Convention to show playable version of METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced that Hideo Kojima, head of its Kojima Productions studio and creator of METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS, will be appearing at this year's Games Convention show in Leipzig to demonstrate a playable version of Solid Snake's latest adventure.

With interest in the game growing at a phenomenal rate, Kojima will be presenting an early build of the game on the Konami stand (Hall 4, Booth B11). It will mark the first time that METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS has been shown in playable form in Europe, and Hideo Kojima will be using the presentation to disclose key gameplay secrets and highlight major additions to the Metal Gear universe. The latest trailer for the game will also be shown, with Kojima using it to detail key plot points while also revealing exciting news about forthcoming Metal Gear projects from Kojima Productions.

Due for a simultaneous worldwide release early in 2008, METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS is set in a war-torn future where huge conglomerates fight for supremacy using armies of hand-picked mercenaries. This battle-scarred arena is seen through the eyes of an older Solid Snake who has been charged with infiltrating a number of key locations across the globe, including the Middle East and South America.

"When I last came to Leipzig, I promised fans of Metal Gear Solid they would be able to see a playable version of MGS4 - and, to celebrate the special nature of the occasion, I can confirm, that I will bring a special guest with me," commented Hideo Kojima, Director of Kojima Productions. "I love the enthusiasm European games players constantly show towards our titles, and look forward to showing METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS at the most important European gaming event of the year."

"METAL GEAR SOLID" and "GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS" are registered trademarks of Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.

METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS will be released for PLAYSTATION®3 early 2008 and shown at the 2007 Games Convention in Leipzig between 22nd-26th August.

First of all, he [Kojima] is an auteur. From the very start, he has a large ego, which is a necessary thing in order to drive a large number of people to follow a project. You've gotta have a big ego and be sure you're right about everything.

First on the list, though, is a radio serial drama, written by Suda 51. While a radio drama in Japanese that will probably only air in Japan is probably not what Western Snatcher fans were expecting, the future of the "Project S" series is currently unannounced.

I've got my fingers crossed for an upcoming Snatcher cereal announcement. Mmmm. Lightly sweetened puffed corn pops. Michael McWhertor

Suda 51 Reveals Project-S [1UP]

Amid the usual banter and camaraderie, there was as an announcement from Mizuguchi that his next project "is not going to be a video game" but an interesting environmental/convservation themed something. Sounds interesting. I hope that Q? Entertainment can break out of their puzzle rehash rut.

Also hinted at was that Kojima and Grasshopper's Suda 51 may be working on a Snatcher related project. Will it be a sequel to the Sega CD classic from Konami? We don't know! But we're anxiously awaiting the next Hidechan podcast to see what Kojima has to say about it. Michael McWhertor

Kojima Meets Mikami in Snake vs Zombie Event [1UP]