A new interview between outlet realsound and Metal Gear Series producers Yuji Korekado and Noriaki Okamura has just released! It gives us one of the best looks at how the remake was being built, and what could come next for the franchise.
Their Early Inspirations
Both developers actually grew up during the classic arcade boom. Korekado’s passion started in small candy-shop arcades, where he not only played Space Invaders and Pac-Man, but also became curious about how computers worked. He bought his first machine in high school and even learned creativity by changing game rules with friends.
Okamura had a similar path. He played so much in Kyoto’s Teramachi electronics district that stores let him demo their PCs in exchange for game time. By high school he was already making small games that local shops used. After working on software during university, he joined Konami, and never left, staying over 30 years.
The Philosophy Behind MGSΔ
Korekado says the team’s main goal was simple! They wanted to keep the soul of the original Snake Eater, but also make it comfortable for new players. That means updated controls, easier camouflage switching, a refined camera, and two control schemes, the “New Style” and “Legacy Style.”
To stay faithful, they even analyzed the original game’s code and scripts to understand the intent behind the design.
Okamura admits it was a tough call to continue Metal Gear at all, especially with many original staff gone. But the team felt a sense of urgency:
“If we don’t do it now, the series might never return.”
The remake keeps the original story and gameplay intact, avoiding unnecessary additions. According to Okamura, fan feedback has become increasingly positive as players see how respectful the team has been!
Veteran & New Dev Synergy
The remake’s development also mixed long-time Konami veterans with younger developers. Veterans explained the original design philosophy and “why things were the way they were,” and younger staff pointed out moments that feel outdated or unclear to today’s players. A good example is the old CQC explanation methods. That directly led to new features like clearer in-game tips.
What Is Next for Metal Gear?
The team is now exploring the future of the series, and this might mean more remakes or something entirely new. They also clarified that each project will get its own approach rather than copying the MGSΔ production style.
One interesting note was Okamura who says MGS4 would be extremely challenging to remake:
“The hardware at the time required a very particular design to produce 3D performance with the technology available at the time. MGS4 also has quite a unique code… It seems it would be tough to bring it over now.”
Advice for Aspiring Game Creators
Both devs also took the time to share advice for new creators:
- Korekado: Focus on what you love, because hobbies and life experiences feed creativity. Passion is what keeps you going during hard projects.
- Okamura: Do not limit yourself to games. Explore everything, movies, hobbies, daily life. And start building, not just planning. With Unreal and Unity, it is easier than ever.
Metal Gear Solid is going to continue to be built with a mix of genuine love for the original, and new improvements. The team seems confident that they can protect the series’ identity, and also bringing it to new players, and it sounds like the franchise’s future is finally opening up again!
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