Have you ever found yourself faced with a difficult moral decision when it came to a video game? I’m not talking about a Mass Effect or inFamous situation, where you’re given a choice to play a character that’s good or evil. I’m talking about the game itself making you question whether buying it is the right thing to do. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain may present that exact dilemma.
Even if you aren’t the intended audience, there’s no escaping news about Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain . It’s been steeped in controversy. There’s been a parting of the ways between Konami and developer Hideo Kojima. The exact happenings are a secret, but we know Kojima was removed from Silent Hills , and the project cancelled. Kojima Productions has been shut down. It even seemed as though Konami attempted to erase any mention of Kojima from the game.
Which brings us to our dilemna with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain . To buy, or not to buy? It should be as simple as getting a game you might enjoy because you enjoy the series and characters, but this ugliness has cast a shadow that may make it difficult to make an easy commitment.
If you purchase Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain , you’re giving Konami your money and approval. That positive reinforcement could be seen as condoning the company’s actions toward Kojima. Buying it might make you an enabler. You’d be making it possible for Konami to continue on what could be a destructive path.
On the other hand, not purchasing Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain could be just as bad. This is most likely going to end up being Kojima’s last entry in the series. It’s only respectful to see what he wanted to say and enjoy his last vision. Even though Konami has done its best to try and hide his contributions away, we know they’re there and the company can’t take away what he’s done. His work deserves to be appreciated.
It’s a tricky situation to be in. Here’s a series we clearly love, but supporting it might not be the best thing to do due to Konami’s behavior. The best course of action may be to find a middle ground. Perhaps wait a few months after Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain ‘s release and grab it once it goes on sale. You’ll appreciate Kojima’s work and support him, but not be giving Konami as much money to reward its behavior.