Harmony of Despair: How Konami Stumbles Out of the Video Game Industry

Many of my favorite games and franchises are products of the well-known Japanese game developer, Konami. At a certain point in time, I even considered myself a Konami fan. However, some recent developments and revelations look like they will result in me withdrawing my affection for them, as well as them being pushed out of the greater video game market scene – partly voluntarily, partly consequentially.

Burning Bridges: Japanese Game Creator Resignations

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is getting released worldwide very soon, and the excitement can be felt everywhere. This is to be creator Hideo Kojima‘s greatest production, and his last Metal Gear title; however, the game itself isn’t the only thing making the news. As most who follow the game industry know, Kojima and his employer of nearly 30 years, Konami, are in the middle of what can rather accurately be called a “messy breakup”: it is clear Kojima is leaving Konami, yet the reasons and the goings-on behind the scenes are largely obscured as of right now.

Devil’s Castle: Thoughts on the Future of Castlevania

I am a huge fan of the Castlevania series, both the classic games as well as the Lords of Shadow trilogy by MercurySteam. I found myself constantly making references to the franchise in my blog posts and gaming community comments, so I figured why not get it all out and make a post solely on that topic.