Cover Art Chronicles: Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Let’s be honest here: It was only a matter of time before Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’s box art received some now-requisite minor alterations, the same that occurred with promotional artwork on Konami’s website around four months ago, which kicked off a massive debacle between the company’s higher-ups, employees, and the fanbase.

It’s no secret that we’re witnessing a quiet (no pun intended) fallout between Hideo Kojima and development staff at the now-defunct Kojima Productions, and employer Konami. Heck, you could even see this through reading this blog, as I’ve posted about the incidents that have unfolded numerous times.

I say “quiet” because though we’ve received details about the drama, it’s come from behind-the-scenes sources who’d understandably rather remain anonymous, or from those who’ve worked with (but not in) the company. Though Japanese companies and employees tend to take reserved stances, especially regarding corporate matters, it’s possible Konami had them sign NDAs to prevent them from talking until they’ve left, which will possibly happen at the end of this year.

Just as the “A Hideo Kojima Game” branding and Kojima Productions logo have been removed from artworks on Konami’s websites, the same has now occurred with TPP’s box artwork. The preliminary box was originally revealed when the fanbase thought everything was fine and dandy between Kojima and Konami, weeks before the aforementioned debacle ensued. It’s also why no one took Kojima seriously when he said this would be the final Metal Gear Solid game, as he said as much in the past numerous times. Interestingly enough, he was dead-serious this time.

What’s mind-boggling about this drama is how much better it could have gone, despite this being Kojima’s sendoff. He’s been trying to leave Metal Gear behind for other staff to handle for years, like anyone would if they were forced to work with one franchise and little else for nearly two decades. But it was by far Konami’s most profitable core gaming franchise, and lately one of the few remaining ones they have. They knew the games needed Kojima’s touch to tick, so he had little choice as long as he was employed at Konami. They could have heavily promoted the fact that it’s Kojima’s last game in the franchise, but also could have amicably disassociated his name from for future Metal Gear installments if they planned on continuing the franchise with a new head. The successor to his director’s chair would preferably be someone groomed by Kojima.

What they’re actually doing is the equivalent of giving him and his staff members the middle finger with both hands, retroactively removing the man from the credits of games he’s worked on. Not only is Konami burning bridges with the staff, it’s also an insult to their fanbase who knows better. This is why no one believes them when they say the franchise will continue under new staff. If it does, it will likely be through considerably smaller mobile offerings the core gaming fanbase won’t want, given their new CEO’s preferences.

Changing the artwork on their websites is a minor thing compared to TPP’s box art, as people still own physical copies of other MG games with Kojima’s name and logo on the cover, and they’d like this one to match. With the title this topic is about, they won’t have that opportunity — at least, not officially. They could always print out their own artwork, and I’m sure many will, but that provides a different psychological feeling that can’t be replicated without having this officially.

Perhaps that doesn’t matter as much as I’m insinuating, because many of those described in the above paragraph aren’t happy with the box art itself being lame and arbitrary, considering the wealth of artwork at their disposal. Metal Gear covers are best when featuring Yoji Shinkawa’s artwork, something that hasn’t primarily adorned them for years. “Primarily” because Shinkawa’s artwork was included on the Metal Gear Solid 4 Limited Edition cover and reversible art for Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes. In TPP’s case, his art will sadly be relegated to a bonus Blu-ray included with two special packages…only in Japan.

Sure, there’s a chance this game could have reversible art featuring Shinkawa’s work, but you shouldn’t get your hopes up given everything that’s happened recently. It would be nice if some rebellious staffers snuck this on, with the above-mentioned brandings, for the first-printing.

If you’re dissatisfied with this, and with how Konami’s handling Kojima’s last Metal Gear, someone’s bound to be working on reversible cover art that will work as a fitting tribute to the franchise as you read this. It’s a shame that couldn’t happen officially, but this is the second-best alternative. Sometimes you have to live with things like this.