A Game That Never Was: Kojima and Zampella's Unrealized Project

Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind Metal Gear Solid, once explored a unique idea with Vince Zampella, the co-founder of Respawn Entertainment. This was not just any idea, but a first-person shooter set in the Metal Gear Solid universe. The concept emerged after the release of Metal Gear Solid 4, a time when Respawn was just starting out. Zampella and Jason West founded Respawn in 2010 after leaving Activision. They were looking for a strong project to kickstart their new studio, and Kojima's idea was one of the options on the table. However, Respawn ultimately chose to develop an original concept, which eventually became Titanfall.Kojima and Zampella maintained a professional relationship over the years. Kojima even sought Zampella's advice when he decided to go independent after parting ways with Konami. Kojima praised Zampella, stating that the gaming industry wouldn't be the same without him. Sadly, Zampella passed away late last year. Zampella's impact on the gaming industry is undeniable. He played a crucial role in the development of the Call of Duty series and led Respawn through the creation of Titanfall. More recently, he was at the helm of DICE, overseeing the development and launch of Battlefield 6, which broke multiple records. It's fascinating to think about what a Metal Gear Solid first-person shooter could have looked like. Would it have been a groundbreaking title? Or would it have been just another forgettable spin-off? We'll never know, but it's fun to speculate.