Konami has apologized for causing their fans stress and for their business practices in a statement to Polygon.
There was a media storm with the company this year. Questions arose regarding Hideo Kojima’s roller coaster relationship with Konami, the cancellation of P.T., and the misunderstanding about the focus of mobile games. There was also a “reorganization” of staff in March, which lead to the “centralized production division system.”
In an interview with Nikkei Trendy Net back in April, President and Representative Director Hideki Hayakawa addressed that “mobile first” doesn’t mean mobile only.
“Our aim is to continue to build up a comprehensive portfolio of console, arcade, and card game titles for each IP while also making the best possible use of the mobile devices that accompany our customers in their daily life, thus expanding the limits of entertainment and appealing to more and more customers,” Hayakawa said.
In a statement, Konami said it will, “… continue to embrace the challenge of creating entertainment content via different platforms; across not only mobile platforms, but for home consoles, arcade units, and cards, to meet the changing needs of the times. Your support for our current endeavours, and your spurring us on to greater heights, are as always deeply appreciated.”
Within the statements that have been passed around various media outlets, there hasn’t been any mention whatsoever about what will become of Silent Hills, why P.T. was taken down, or what will happen to Kojima, still leaving fans puzzled.
Konami said in a statement sent to Polygon, “the Metal Gear and Silent Hill series, both beloved by countless fans around the globe, are also extremely important to Konami. We have nurtured them with care over many years since their inception, and will continue to produce products for both franchises, but we are not currently at a stage where we can announce the path these future titles will take.”
To properly avoid a situation like this, Konami should have made it clear that they were not completely shifting over to mobile, of course, mistranslation could have come into play.
As far as mobile gaming goes, Konami could create some new IPs to expand on. With the reorganization and the new focus, their knack for producing well developed games, they could put out some pretty solid titles. Konami mentioned that Metal Gear and Silent Hill will live on, but they wouldn’t survive on mobile because of the limitations it poses. For now though, it looks like a matter of waiting.
How do you feel about Konami’s direction? Let me know in the comments.
