What a difference a year makes. Last December, Hideo Kojima was supposed to be in attendance at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on behalf of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, which was up for the accolade of Best Action/Adventure game of 2015. However, due to Kojima’s much-touted departure from Konami, the esteemed developer was unable to attend due to contractual obligations, leaving Kiefer Sutherland to collect the award on his behalf.
The exact details of Hideo Kojima’s no-show remain firmly under wraps – something that can also be said for his messy exit from Konami – but with The Game Awards 2016, the Metal Gear founding father will get his moment. As confirmed by long-time host Geoff Keighley, come December 1, Hideo Kojima will pick up the coveted Industry Icon award.
Per Twitter:
He finally gets his trophy! @HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN to receive Industry Icon Award live at @thegameawards 2016 on Dec 1. https://t.co/JhGKOCSGza pic.twitter.com/RHXNbyp9Py
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) November 17, 2016
Could we also see an appearance from Death Stranding, Kojima’s upcoming PS4 exclusive? It’s unlikely, particularly when you consider that Kojima Productions, the studio behind the nebulous sci-fi title, just recently settled on a game engine. But we wouldn’t rule it out entirely.
Elsewhere, earlier this week Geoff Keighley lifted the lid on the official list of nominees for The Game Awards 2016 and, unsurprisingly, the likes of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Overwatch and Inside lead the pack. There’s still time to cast your vote, and you can do so right here.
Hideo Kojima will swing by The Game Awards 2016 on Thursday, December 1 at 9:00 pm ET, where the decorated developer will pick up the Industry Icon award.
