The world of gaming has long awaited a truly spectacular adaptation of The Matrix, a franchise that seems destined for video game greatness. Despite the potential, fans have only seen limited entries, including the 2003 action/adventure Enter the Matrix and 2005’s MMORPG The Matrix Online. More recently, The Matrix Awakens debuted in 2021, serving as a technical showcase for Unreal Engine 5, but leaving gamers yearning for a more immersive experience.
A Missed Opportunity with Hideo Kojima
In what could have been a monumental collaboration, legendary game designer Hideo Kojima was once approached to create a Matrix video game. This intriguing tidbit was shared by Christopher Bergstresser, a former executive at Konami, during an interview. On August 25, 1999, during the Japanese premiere of The Matrix, Kojima was invited by the Wachowskis themselves to develop a game for their iconic series. Despite the Wachowskis’ interest, former Konami CEO Kazumi Kitaue reportedly declined the proposal outright.
The Legacy That Never Was
The Wachowskis, known for their groundbreaking storytelling, were admirers of Kojima’s distinctive style. Accompanied by their concept artist, they expressed their desire for Kojima to bring their vision to life in the gaming world. Unfortunately, Kitaue’s dismissal of the idea left the partnership unfulfilled. Further insight from a former Konami employee suggests that Kojima remained enthusiastic about the project, possibly advocating for it even after the initial rejection. Still, the collaboration that could have reshaped gaming history never materialized.
The chance for Hideo Kojima to develop a Matrix game stands as a poignant “what if” in gaming folklore.