The release of Metal Gear Solid 1 (MGS1) was certainly one of the most defining moments in the gaming industry. Since then, Hideo Kojima, the game’s creator, has become one of the most famous and influential video game producers in the world. Recently, Kojima spoke up about the rising costs of game production and gave some advice on how to reduce costs. His advice? Implement a no-overtime rule on MGS1 in order to save money.
Kojima believes that there is often too much pressure put on developers to get work done quickly and under budget. As a result, employees are encouraged to work overtime without compensation to finish projects on time. Kojima believes that this could lead to burnout and other preventable problems. As such, he suggests that no overtime should be allowed for MGS1 in order to save money and reduce costs.
Kojima also recommends implementing cost savings into the actual game itself. Rather than hiring expensive voice actors, he suggests using the existing story-lines of the game to create soundbytes. This way, less money is spent on production while still allowing for an immersive experience. Additionally, he recommends switching out some models and art to reduce costs while still maintaining the game’s quality. With these strategies, Kojima believes that MGS1 can still be a successful game with reduced costs.
Kojima’s advice on MGS1 is timely, given the rise in game production costs and flat sales in the industry. For developers looking to keep costs low, Kojima’s suggestions could be invaluable. By taking a few extra steps to reduce costs, developers may find they can maximize their profits without sacrificing quality.