Matrix Creators Approached Kojima for Game Development, But Konami Declined

The Matrix Franchise and Its Missed Gaming Opportunities

Despite its rich narrative and immersive universe, The Matrix franchise has seen minimal representation in video games, a puzzling reality considering its potential. Since the first film premiered 26 years ago, fans have only enjoyed two notable titles: *Enter the Matrix*, released in 2003, and the 2005 MMORPG *The Matrix Online*.While the interactive experience *The Matrix Awakens* debuted in late 2021, it primarily served as a technical showcase for Unreal Engine 5 rather than a substantive game, leaving enthusiasts yearning for a deeper engagement with the series.

The Kojima Connection: A Missed Collaboration

Adding to this sense of lost potential, it has come to light that iconic game designer Hideo Kojima, renowned for his work on *Metal Gear Solid* and *Death Stranding*, was once approached to create a game based on The Matrix. This disclosure was made by Christopher Bergstresser, who served as the Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning and Business Development at Konami from 1996 to 2002, during an interview with Time Extension.

A Fateful Meeting

Bergstresser recounted an intriguing encounter dating back to August 25, 1999, coinciding with the Japanese launch of the original Matrix film. The Wachowskis, known for their admiration of Kojima’s work, reached out to him with a proposition. They expressed a desire for Kojima to spearhead a video game adaptation of their groundbreaking film. Unfortunately, former Konami CEO Kazumi Kitaue reportedly dismissed this opportunity outright.

The Wachowskis were big fans of Kojima, so Kazumi Kitaue, Kojima, Aki Saito (who still works with Kojima), and I were at the Konami HQ, and we got a call from the Wachowskis, who wanted to come in and meet with Kojima. So they did! The two of them came in with their concept artist, and effectively they said to Kojima, ‘We really want you to do the Matrix game. Can you do that?’ Aki translated this into Japanese for Mr. Kitaue, and Kitaue just looked at them and told them plainly, ‘No’.We did still get to enjoy the Matrix Japanese premiere and afterparty, though.

The Unmet Aspirations

In subsequent discussions, another former Konami employee remarked that Kojima maintained a keen interest in collaborating with the Wachowskis, even after Kitaue’s refusal. This ongoing fascination suggests that Kojima may have sought additional opportunities to persuade the executive to revisit the proposal, but ultimately, the collaboration never materialized.

A Reflection on What Could Have Been

The absence of Kojima’s creative touch in a Matrix game leaves fans pondering the potential outcome of such a project. What innovations could have emerged had this partnership taken form? As the gaming world continues to evolve, the longing for a truly representative Matrix experience remains strong. The franchise deserves much more depth and breadth in its gaming adaptations, and fans can only hope that future developments will capitalize on its rich storytelling potential.

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