Konami has shared a translated version of the Nikkei interview (which you can read here) alongside a letter (via IGN) addressing claims that have been coming out regarding their approach to mobile games, the situation with Hideo Kojima and the games he is overseeing, and more.
In the letter, Konami PR Director Jay Boor said they “are aware that the conjecture surrounding our recent changes has prompted a great deal of anxiety, for which we apologize.”
“Konami, as a company, underwent a major structural reorganization in March this year,” Boor continued. “The aim of this reform has been to guarantee that, in the quickly-changing digital entertainment industry where new game designs and platforms constantly alter the market environment, we can accurately observe new customer demands and market trends, and apply our long-established technology and knowhow quickly and effectively with a range of targeted responses.”
Boor reiterated the publisher’s commitment to both Metal Gear Solid V under the helm of Hideo Kojima, as well as the Silent Hill franchise, despite the cancellation of Silent Hills.
“We have nurtured them with care over many years since their inception, and will continue to produce products for both franchises, but we are not currently at a stage where we can announce the path these future titles will take,” Boor said.
The English-translation of the Nikkei interview (which we previously covered here) has some interesting tidbits, with Konami President and Representative Director Hideki Hayakawa saying “Konami’s idea of ‘mobile first’ is not at all to focus purely on mobile games.” Hayakawa continued:
“Our aim is to continue to build up a comprehensive portfolio of console, arcade, and card game titles for each IP while also making the best possible use of the mobile devices that accompany our customers in their daily life, thus expanding the limits of entertainment and appealing to more and more customers.”
So Konami is focusing on mobile after all, and coming from this, they’ll be focusing on mobile games within their home turf first.
“Japan is our primary market for mobile content,” said Hayakawa. He made a note in saying Japan is a leader in smartphone adoption, equating to roughly 50% market saturation, a figure larger than both China and the United States. He also said “the Japanese market is populated with consumers who are extremely particular and discerning, and it is this environment that has helped us polish game design quality to such a high level.” The statement was finished off by saying:
“Konami will continue to embrace the challenge of creating entertainment content via different platforms; across not only mobile platforms, but for home consoles, arcade units, and cards, to meet the changing needs of the times. Your support for our current endeavours, and your spurring us on to greater heights, are as always deeply appreciated.”
How do you guys feel about their letter of apology? Do you think the future of their core IPs like Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill, and more are in jeopardy?
