We all know that publisher Konami and developer Hideo Kojima had a huge falling out this year, but this was just petty. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain won Best Score and Best Action/Adventure at The Game Awards last night, but Kojima wasn’t present to accept the awards.
Instead, host Geoff Keighley explained that Mr. Kojima had “every intention” of being there, but had been instructed by Komani lawyers that he wasn’t allowed to attend. Kojima is still under contract with Konami. Keifer Sutherland, the voice of Snake in the game, accepted the Best Action/Adventure award on his behalf.
In response to a flood of outrage and concern on social media, Kojima thanked fans via Twitter and assured them he was all right. As for Konami, its reputation with gamers continues to circle the drain. The company probably didn’t expect to be called out during the broadcast like that, but still, what did it expect to accomplish by keeping a man from accepting the accolades he’s rightfully earned for a series that has done great things for Konami over the years? All Konami has done is appear childish and petulant in the eyes of its customers. Bad show, Konami. Bad show.
Sources: The Game Awards, Twitter