Hideo Kojima Reveals Who Inspires Him
Hideo Kojima, whose name has been etched in gaming history with titles like the Metal Gear series and Death Stranding, is known for his inspiring stories as much as his creative vision. However, Kojima’s career wasn’t always this bright. After years of rejections and hopeless job interviews, he found his turning point in an unexpected place. A few words from an HR manager set him on the path to game development and shaped the Kojima we know today.
The Words That Shaped Hideo Kojima
According to Automaton, Kojima recently shared a significant memory from his past in an article he wrote for An-an Web. After graduating from university, Kojima, who had been rejected numerous times, finally received a job offer from a medical equipment company. However, having to constantly assume a different identity during this process exhausted him.
It was then that he poured his heart out to the company’s human resources director. When he told them he wanted to work in a creative field, the response he received changed his life: “Kojima, I think you’re better suited for a creative job – go and try it.” This simple yet powerful advice was decisive in Kojima’s decision to pursue the gaming industry.
Kojima realized he no longer had to hide himself during interviews with game studios. He could talk about his novels and ideas, revealing his true identity. Soon after, he started working at Konami, and his career began a new chapter.
Looking back today, Kojima sees that moment as a turning point not only in his career but also in his life. The fact that a few words of encouragement could lead to the creation of a visionary developer who would change an entire industry makes the story even more inspiring. As Kojima Productions prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, the renowned producer continues to share both this inspiration from the past and his hopes for future projects.
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