While there hasn’t been any official confirmation of the much-anticipated Metal Gear Solid 6, it’s doubtful that Konami, the renowned Japanese entertainment giant, would simply abandon one of its most cherished franchises. Despite the absence of concrete details about a new installment, there are several factors to consider.
Konami has been active in the Metal Gear universe, having released the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 and continuing to work on the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake. However, the departure of franchise creator Hideo Kojima has added a layer of uncertainty. Kojima, the visionary behind the series, left Konami after Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain’s successful launch to establish his own studio, Kojima Productions, responsible for titles like Death Stranding and the upcoming Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.
While fans eagerly await news of a direct sequel, Kojima has announced his involvement in a new action-espionage game named Physint, which he promises will be “the culmination of my work.” However, since Kojima doesn’t own the rights to Metal Gear Solid, any official follow-up would require Konami’s approval.
Despite the absence of official announcements, speculation about Metal Gear Solid 6 remains rife. The recent announcement of the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake serves as a potential precursor to a new addition to the series. This remake, showcased at a PlayStation Showcase event, indicates Konami’s continued interest in the franchise’s legacy.
In envisioning the future of Metal Gear Solid, fans hope for a return to the series’ sandbox gameplay, building upon the open-world format introduced in Metal Gear Solid 5. Additionally, there is a desire for a revival of the series’ sci-fi elements, reminiscent of the over-the-top action seen in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.
Story-wise, Metal Gear Solid 6 could explore various avenues, such as continuing from the events of Metal Gear Solid 5 or delving into the consequences of the characters’ actions in the franchise. Furthermore, there are lingering questions from previous titles, particularly regarding the resolution of Eli’s storyline and the fate of Big Boss’s clone.
While Kojima’s departure may have raised concerns, Metal Gear Solid’s enduring popularity suggests that the series will persist. Whether Konami will undertake this endeavor remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: continuing Metal Gear Solid without Kojima would require substantial innovation and reverence for the franchise’s rich legacy.
