Hideo Kojima Reflects on the Development of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Hideo Kojima, the legendary creator behind the Metal Gear Solid series, recently shared intriguing details about the development of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Originally released for the PlayStation Portable in 2010, Peace Walker continued the story of Big Boss as he built his own mercenary unit in Colombia. Although it followed Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, Kojima revealed that Peace Walker was initially intended to be the fifth mainline entry in the franchise.
In a recent Twitter post, Kojima explained that he had envisioned the game as Metal Gear Solid 5: Peace Walker. His goal was to introduce a new proprietary engine for the game, which would later become known as the Fox Engine. However, this vision faced opposition from overseas marketing teams, resulting in the decision to drop the numbered title. The game’s target age range was also adjusted to appeal to a broader audience.
Despite these changes, Kojima considered Peace Walker an important step in the evolution of the Metal Gear series, serving as a bridge until the Fox Engine was fully developed. This engine would later be used in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, a title that significantly reinvented the Metal Gear formula.
Interestingly, Kojima has hinted that Phantom Pain was intended to be seen as Metal Gear Solid V, not necessarily the fifth main entry. He may personally regard Peace Walker as the true fifth installment in the series. As rumors swirl about Peace Walker being included in the upcoming Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Volume 2, it’s clear the game holds a special place in the series’ continuity.
