Hideo Kojima has shared his surprise after learning, through social media, that the Wachowski sisters proposed in 1999 the creation of a video game based on The Matrix while he was working at Konami. On his X account, Kojima stated that he was not aware of this conversation, expressing that in 26 years this offer had never been mentioned to him. According to his statements, at that time he and the Wachowskis were mutual fans and had exchanged emails, although he was not present at the meeting where the project was discussed.
Stopping a bullet
Kojima commented that, at the time the development of the video game was proposed, he was immersed in the creation of Metal Gear Solid 2, which would have made it difficult for him to attend to another proposal. “If someone had informed me, it might have been possible to make it work”, he added. The meeting in question involved the then CEO of Konami Digital Entertainment, Kazumi Kitaue, and although Kojima recalls having met the Wachowskis several times, he did not attend the meeting where the possible adaptation of the video game was discussed.
Although the collaboration did not materialize, several video game adaptations have been developed in the universe of The Matrix. In 2021, Epic Games released a technical demo of Unreal Engine 5 set in this cyberpunk world, reflecting the ongoing interest in the franchise. Additionally, it has been confirmed that a fifth Matrix film is in development, with Drew Goddard as the screenwriter and director, although without the participation of the Wachowskis.
In summary, the revelation about the Wachowskis’ initial offer and the lack of information regarding it for over two decades has sparked renewed interest in the legacy of The Matrix and its potential in the realm of video games.