A Game That Never Was: Kojima and Zampella's Unrealized Project

Hideo Kojima, the legendary creator behind Metal Gear Solid, once ventured into uncharted territory with Vince Zampella, the co-founder of Respawn Entertainment. Their collaboration explored a first-person shooter set in the Metal Gear Solid universe.

The Concept

The idea surfaced post-Metal Gear Solid 4, a time when Respawn was in its infancy. Zampella and Jason West founded Respawn in 2010 after their departure from Activision. They were on the hunt for a flagship project, and Kojima's concept was one of the contenders. However, Respawn ultimately chose to pursue an original concept, which later became Titanfall.

A Lasting Professional Relationship

Kojima and Zampella maintained a strong professional bond over the years. When Kojima decided to go independent after parting ways with Konami, he sought Zampella's counsel. Kojima praised Zampella, stating that the gaming industry wouldn't be the same without him. Tragically, Zampella passed away late last year.

Zampella's Legacy

Zampella's influence on the gaming industry is immense. He played a pivotal role in the development of the Call of Duty series and led Respawn through the creation of Titanfall. Most recently, he was at the helm of DICE, overseeing the development and launch of Battlefield 6, which shattered multiple records.

A Lost Opportunity

It's intriguing to ponder what a Metal Gear Solid FPS could have looked like. Would it have been a groundbreaking title? Or just another forgettable spin-off? We'll never know, but the speculation remains fascinating.