Hideo Kojima inducted into AIAS Hall of Fame

Hideo Kojima is to become the 21st member of the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame.

The Metal Gear Solid creator will be presented with the accolade during this year’s DICE Awards on February 18th. The ceremony takes place at the Mandalay Convention Centre in Las Vegas.

Handing over the award will be film director Guillermo del Toro, best known for Pan’s Labyrinth, Pacific Rim, Hellyboy and Crimson Peak, who was collaborating with Kojima on horror title Silent Hills until its cancellation by publisher Konami last year.

Kojima’s latest game, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, was named as the Best Action/Adventure Game during last year’s Game Awards.

However, according to host Geoff Keighly, the development legend was allegedly blocking from attending the event by Konami, with MGSV star Kiefer Sutherland instead having to pick up the prize.

A week later, Kojima emerged from a mound of rumours to confirm that he had departed Konami after more than 25 years with the firm to open his own independent studio, Kojima Productions. The outlet’s first title will be console exclusive to PS4, with a PC release also due.

Kojima joins former AIAS Hall of Famers Shigeru Miyamoto, Sid Meier, John Carmack, RIchard Garriott, Michael Morhaime, and Gabe Newell.

“Hideo Kojima’s career-defining works have shaped much of how the video game industry approaches cinematic storytelling and player engagement,” said AIAS president Martin Rae.

“As one of the most well-loved and well-respected designers of our time, it is a great honor for the Academy to induct him into our Hall of Fame.

"Hideo is a game creator whose eyes have always looked towards the future, and we look forward to his thoughts on the DICE Summit stage.”