The Metal Gear franchise could continue without Hideo Kojima, according to Akio Otsuka, the Japanese voice actor behind Solid Snake and several other major characters in the series. Although Otsuka previously said he would not participate in another Metal Gear project without Kojima, he now believes Konami should consider making another game for the franchise’s worldwide fanbase.
Otsuka discussed his relationship with Kojima and the future of Metal Gear in a recent interview with Bunshun, published on October 5, 2026. His comments come as Kojima continues to develop projects independently through Kojima Productions, while Konami has continued revisiting its Metal Gear catalog.
OTSUKA WANTS ANOTHER METAL GEAR FOR THE FANS
Otsuka has previously taken a firm position on Metal Gear projects made without Kojima. In the Bunshun interview, he explained that he still stands by his earlier statement because he considers Kojima central to the identity of the series.
“That’s why I said ‘I don’t want to do any Metal Gear that doesn’t involve Director Kojima’,”
Otsuka said, adding with a laugh,
“Now that I’ve said it, I can’t back down.”
However, that personal decision has not stopped him from wanting to see another Metal Gear game made. Otsuka believes the franchise has a large international audience that continues to want new entries.
“I really do think so,”
he said when asked whether Konami should make another game.
“For Metal Gear fans all over the world. There are fans all over the world eagerly waiting for it. So let’s make one more Metal Gear game for them.”
His comments therefore draw an important distinction between his own willingness to participate and his view of what should happen to the franchise.
OTSUKA STILL HOLDS KOJIMA IN HIGH REGARD
The actor also spoke emotionally about Kojima’s departure from Konami and the challenges that followed. Otsuka compared Kojima’s decision to establish his own studio to setting out on a small boat into uncertain waters.
Kojima Productions eventually released Death Stranding, giving Kojima the opportunity to continue creating games independently. Otsuka said watching that project come together after Kojima’s split from Konami was deeply moving.
“When it was finished and they announced ‘it’s releasing’, I just burst into tears,”
Otsuka recalled.
Otsuka’s comments also underline how closely he associates Metal Gear with his long professional relationship with Kojima. He said their shared generation and similar outlook contributed to their connection, making the franchise more personally significant than an ordinary acting role.
METAL GEAR’S FUTURE REMAINS SEPARATE FROM KOJIMA
Otsuka’s comments do not indicate that Kojima is returning to Metal Gear, nor do they confirm a new game from Konami. Instead, they reflect the voice actor’s belief that the series can continue for its fans even if its original creator has moved on.
That possibility has already become more relevant as Konami continues to revisit the franchise. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater demonstrated continued interest in the series, while Konami has also been expanding its collection and remaster efforts.
For Otsuka, however, his own involvement remains tied to the promise he previously made. When Bunshun asked whether he had discussed his desire for another Metal Gear game with Kojima, the actor simply laughed and replied,
“I’ll leave that to your imagination.”
