Hideo Kojima Could Have Made a Matrix Game, But Konami Shut It Down

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Hideo Kojima, the famous creator of games like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, almost made a video game based on The Matrix. He pitched the idea in 1999 after the first Matrix film came out, but Konami, his company at the time, quickly rejected it.

So, I was reading that the team at Konami were seriously bummed they never got to make a proper Matrix game. Apparently, the Wachowskis – the folks who created The Matrix – actually met with Konami, but things didn’t really pan out. It’s kinda wild because just a few years later, in 2003, Enter the Matrix came out, but it wasn’t them making it. They were clearly disappointed they didn’t get the chance.

Konami Didn’t Want to Touch The Matrix

A recent report from Time Extension details a conversation with Chris Bergstresser, who used to lead licensing at Konami. He shared that the Wachowskis—the creators of The Matrix—once contacted Hideo Kojima to explore the possibility of making a Matrix video game.

By then, I’d already played and loved the original Metal Gear, its sequel, and the groundbreaking Metal Gear Solid – all of them were huge hits and really set the standard for stealth games!

According to Bergstresser, Hideo Kojima was initially contacted about working on the project, but Kasumi Kitaue, a Konami executive producer, ultimately decided against Konami developing a game based on The Matrix.

So, the Wachowskis – the directors of The Matrix – were huge fans of Hideo Kojima. I remember we were all at Konami headquarters – that’s me, Kojima, Aki Saito, and Kazumi Kitaue – when we got a call. It was the Wachowskis, and they wanted to meet Kojima! We made it happen, and they came in for a visit. It was pretty cool.

A pair of executives approached Kojima with a proposal: they wanted him to develop a game based on The Matrix, and asked if he was up for the challenge. Aki translated this request for Mr. Kitaue, who immediately and directly declined. Despite not getting the project, we were still able to attend the Japanese premiere and afterparty for The Matrix.

Released in 2003, Enter the Matrix came between the popular releases of Metal Gear Solid 2 (2001) and Metal Gear Solid 3 (2004). Both Metal Gear Solid games were huge critical and commercial successes, and still have a dedicated fan base.

Earlier this year, Konami released a top-to-bottom remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.

Considering Konami was already busy developing other shooting games, it’s understandable why Kitaue didn’t want to get involved with a Matrix game.

Would you have liked to see Hideo Kojima create a game based on The Matrix? Share your thoughts on our TopMob Discord server!

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2025-10-28 09:48