I’m Not Buying a New Copy of Metal Gear Solid V

Current Digital editor Brian White explains why he's waiting for a used copy of the soon-to-be smash hit, Metal Gear Solid V. Brian cites Konami's treatment of employees as a reason why he no longer wants to support the company.

[C L O U D]

To be honest you'd find this used within a day or two...I know so many people that couldn't get into Ground Zeroes because of their impatience and new understanding to the stealth genre and I expect the same for people who've never done any prep work to not be able to fathom the game.

I believe all the wonderful people involved in the project however will be rewarded, maybe not but Konami...but by the universe...their effort will not go unnoticed.

[Jalva]

Pass me that spliff bro!

[joab777]

Lol! Makes no sense. We buy games for ourselves, for our own entertainment, not for Konami or Kojima. Know why? B/c they are both rich and are doing fine. They will both make out like bandits on this game.

So...if you love MGS, buy it. If you dont...dont.

[C L O U D]

http://37.media.tumblr.com/...

https://33.media.tumblr.com...

[Jalva]

Such edge! So hardcore! Much profound!

[DragonKnight]

@joab777: Take care of that which you love and it will take care of you.

Solidarity will be seen, it will be appreciated, and eventually it will be reciprocated.

Shenmue 3 proves this.

Bloodstained proves this.

The future will continue to prove this.

[xfiles2099]

Here we go it is already starting

[NukaCola]

Pay $60 and support Kojima's work.
Pay $55 and screw everyone but Gamestop.

[Revolver_X_]

I can understand his position, and anyone who disagrees with this position. It's Konami who put consumers in this "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation. Konami's treatment of employees should tell you they will not receive any "bonus" from great sales. Only those top guys are lining their pockets, and Kojima's been demoted to outside contractor months ago. While I still haven't decided what I will do, I know how I fell about Konami, and I know the reality that my purchase helps no one involved in this situation, but the people I don't want to get rewarded. I'm getting Mad Max on 9/1/15, and when I'm done with it, I'll make a trip to Gamestop and make my decision then.

[XBLSkull]

I hope he doesn't get a copy for 6 weeks. Though I'm sure this guy is full of it. If he cares enough about this franchise that he would do some worthless boycott, he is full of it and will be playing at midnight on it's release.

[chrisco84au]

While I understand the uproar, I also feel from our perspective (purely the buyers) it has been blown out of proportion. This 'journalist' should steer clear of click bait articles and enjoy the review code he most likely already has.

The game deserves to be bought, new, used as a consumer I don't care.

Unless you buy it used from Ebay you are just lining the pockets of GameStop etc.

We, as gamers, should be upset about the whole fiasco, we should also WAIT to hear both sides completely.

But it shouldn't stop anyone who really wants MGS V from buying it day 1.
The rich get richer, that's life.

We get a masterpiece of a game. In that respect, I couldn't care less where my money goes for this game.

In saying that, I'll be much more diligent about future Konami purchases until I hear the full story, from for Konami and Kojima (if it ever gets released, wow would that make a great book/documentary/podcast)

I hope Kojima can keep making projects, new ideas, I am sure he has p,enty. Anime, TV Shows, Movies, Games, advising studios, collaborating with other legends of the media industries.
The real shame is if we never see another Kojima production again.

Sorry to ramble, I have so many differing thoughts on this, I hope one day everything is explained by the people themselves.

[solid_snake3656]

@joab777 They spent years on this game and $90 mil+ on development. I'm willing to support them for their efforts, by buying the game new.

[RedDevils]

Not into MGS stealth type of game don't buy the game. No need to cry about it

[81BX]

@joab i agree. I dont personally care about konami or kojima. Im willing to bet they dont personally care about me either. Its a business... they put out a game experience and i pay to participate in it. To me its just that basic

[extermin8or]

The phantom pain is alot more.... Well you don't have to master stealth straight away and it won't be too nasty to you if you choose to go loud I mean it's certainly hard to go in guns blazing but it is possible.

[showtimefolks]

Good for you OP, won't change a damn thing. Also if you buy used you are helping gamestop

If you buy hew at least part of that sum will go to Kojima

Do whatever makes you happy but at the end of the day it really doesn't matter.

We are the vocal minority, there are millions of gamers who will but it by watching am advertisement or hearing about it

And guess what they don't Coe to gaming sites regularly, they watch previews and reviews. If they like what they see than they will buy it

So after 5 years of waiting can you wait another 3 to 7 days? Because that's how long it will take for someone to sell it used on ebay or trade it in

[wellard]

Edit. Replied to wrong post

[3-4-5]

Want to screw Konami? Buy it used.

Gamestop will have them within 3-4 days.

[Kenshin_BATT0USAI]

Want to support shitty GameStop practices? Buy used.

[FPS_D3TH]

At least GameStop didn't cancel Silent Hills. Shitty practices? Have you been keeping at all with Konamis BS?

[bunt-custardly]

I do hope there's as much drama in the game than there is in this article.

[Jayszen]

I think CLOUD is right to do this. Kojima was only one person at Konami and arguably the company's most creative talent but surely the manner in which Konami treats the less illustrious staff should also concern us. Many of us will refuse to buy, say, clothing that has been manufactured in sweatshops where the workers are paid the bare minimum, or refuse to buy produce that has not benefitted the local growers. I think the way Konami treats staff is just as bad and whether we consume clothing, food or games, it is our responsibility to ensure that companies that behave in such a manner profit the least from us. MGS is a wonderful series of games and a testament to the creativity, vision and skill of Kojima but if buying second-hand sends a strong message to Konami then surely we ought to do this! I don't think it will be too long before second-hand copies are available!

[Xman2K]

It was konami who financed this game. I think both parties will benefit, so buy it new to keep the series on top.

[ChronoJoe]

Still makes no difference. Used copies only exist because people are buying the game new, and if he buys a used copy someone else will probably have to buy a new copy, etc.

This kind of protest works on an individual level, but at that level it makes no difference. At a larger level (where the whole community doesn't buy new) it doesn't work because used availability is dependent on new sales.

It also results in an under appreciation of the staff that worked hard developing this game, as usually they will have bonuses tied to sales figures and review scores. Additionally, their job security is very dependent on the success of the game.

Ultimately if you like it you should buy it. If you want to protest it should be by avoiding any games made for the seres but without Kojima. That way it shows a willingness to buy their MGS games, but only when your favourite director is on board. Kojima worked on this one and he and his staff deserve the sales for producing a fantastic game.

[KimikoGaming]

I am okay with getting the game at launch because I have wanted it since even before the Konami bullcrap started, it is the finale to the series and I don't like playing a finale way after it comes out if I have been waiting for it since before it came out, I have a bunch of other games coming out soon after and don't want to get swamped, and I have had money set aside for it ever since I wanted the game.

However, after this, I don't plan on supporting Konami.

[InTheZoneAC]

but just wondering, if you're going going to support konami any more, why not just wait a day or two for MGSV to be used?

[extermin8or]

To demonstrate to them how they messed up, you buy kojima's last game for them then let the future ones they will try to make tank. It sends a clear message.

[InTheZoneAC]

if you buy kojima's last game after the fact, then it is no different that buying another game after MGSV

it only makes sense to not support konami by NOT buying this game new since it'll be the last of most gamers buying konami anyway...

[FallenAngel1984]

Truth is that 10 more people will purchase this game new in your place. Konami doesn't care if a few individuals device to get this game second hand since this will be a mega seller anyway

[FoxyGotGame]

I'll be getting it Brand NEW & Day 1 and I have no negative feelings toward Konami.

I'm going to play Kojima's Masterpiece...Author can do whatever they please /

[Lord_Sloth]

Well I still am. Kojima's final farewell. I have to.

[Double_O_Revan]

Between that and the fact that I'm getting the limited edition. Been a big MGS fan since the beginning.

Yes, I have the same string negative feelings against Konami because of the whole Kojima breakup and the mistreatment of their employees, but I cant miss out on this game.

Now, after MGSV is a whole different story.

[Lord_Sloth]

Exactly! I'm also getting the limited edition. I want Big Boss' hand on my shelf!

[Tankbusta40]

Don't care who the publisher is... Or the fact that Kojima is gone... I will buy metal gear day one regardless...

[Sly-Lupin]

That seems stupid. The only reason the Metal Gear brand has instilled that level of devotion in you is because of Kojima's influence.

Kojima should have your loyalty, not the Metal Gear brand.

[Revolver_X_]

dumbest comment ever. Kojima IS Metal Gear.

Edit: Whoops reply meant for Tankbusta

[Tankbusta40]

Why should Kojima have my loyalty? Does he consult me when he writes a story? Does he ask my opinion? Or better yet does he care I'm alive or share his fortunes with me? The answer is no... I will continue to buy any future Metal Gear games without him.

This Kojima cult worship has to stop

He's just another game director and I'm sure metal gear can be good without him

[Antifan]

Ah, brand loyalty. I'm pretty sure if Konami sold the IP to Activision or EA under a totally new developer, most people will look the other way.

[isarai]

You should just support the games and experiences you like and don't for the ones you don't. If everyone bought this new Konami would the set it as it's new standard, if sales look low due to a lot of people taking this route then they'll change the formula and fuck it up even more. Plus this Isn't even going to make a bit of difference, hell their gaming division Isn't even their focus and makes them nowhere near as much as their pachinko and slot machines.

[clockward100]

Well this guy going tobe waiting a long time for a used copy because im shore not uping my copy lol : )

[urwifeminder]

Do not want in any shape or form .

[MasterCheifGrewT1ts]

Your ol lady proably says the same.

[DEEBO]

Kill that talk.got my digital copy on standby for 8/30/15

No midnight at gamestop plus i like digital for AAA games.

Time kill at will in ground zeros

[Shazz]

This game is insanely good the hours just fly past while your playing , nobody should be boycotting this as kojima and his team have made a masterpiece

[TheColbertinator]

Many people at Konami worked hard to bring us MGSV including Kojima Production . First day buy.

[TKCMuzzer]

I agree, by not purchasing the game all your doing is insulting those who put all that effort in. Yes, Konami will make the money but it will also show to those staff involved that you feel their efforts are worth that value. Plus the more it makes the more Konami are going to realise just what it means now Kojima has parted.

[BuildTheWall]

BOOOO !!!!

[JokerBoy422]

This logic makes no sense! Konami wont treat their employees better if this one game doesnt sell well... You know what they will do? They'll assume the franchise has no place in the market anymore and this will be the last Metal Gear game we'll ever see. Think people!!!

[ShaunCameron]

And maybe fire some employees to cut whatever losses the game took.

[comebackkid9891]

Perhaps that's for the best?

[Father__Merrin]

Don't buy a lot of new games these days, at 39 I think the ps360 generation was my peak gaming gen. I just find myself getting mostly preowned even on big titles

[TKCMuzzer]

I'm 38 and sometimes gaming can make you feel that way especially with so many games doing similar things but I have to admit that Metal Gear Solid v has me hooked, it's so well constructed and so well made I just have to do one more side mission.......

[BuildTheWall]

I'll be picking my copy of up on Tuesday along with the Mad Max game . I have MGS5 & Mad Max preordered for Xbox One at BestBuy.

[ramiuk1]

why not send one of your 50 chaffeurs,surely u can lend them one of your cars?

[ramiuk1]

why not just send one of your 50 chauffeurs ?

[plmkoh]

But still willing to play it and feed online statistics to Konami so they can boast about player count to investors. Yeah that'll show 'em who's boss.

Who's the winner in the end?

I'm going to buy it and play it, your loss.

[Sly-Lupin]

I always recommend buying AAA games used, because they tend to devalue FAST. Usually you can find 'em for 25% less after a week or two, and 75% after a month or so.

Plus, you have the benefit of patches, bugfixes, and reviews that aren't designed to perpetuate Internet hype machines.

[Jamesx82x]

While I really have no problem buying used games every once in a while I am completely against this type of practice in making it a habit specifically with big budget AAA titles.

You understand that the publishers get nothing from a used copy being sold correct? You understand by not supporting the publishers they are less likely to continue making the big budget AAA games you love.

If they dont make money after spending $100 million on a game they arent going to turn around and spend another $100 million on the next hoping for better results. Shenmue is a prime example huge budget but never sold well thus Shenmue 3 was never made and had to recently get crowdfunded a certain amount before Sony would even get involved.

Its happening more and more where publishers arent willing to take on these big budget games because they arent making their money back. People can keep buying used all they want but when every game we get turns into a indie style game where its a smaller title that lasts 2-4 hours dont complain.

[iistuii]

There's only one way to stop this as you know & when MS threatened it the world went mad.

[Jamesx82x]

@iistuii Yeah there is and I have already gone almost all digital. I buy 1 disc on XB1 and PS4 at a time and then digital with everything else. I loved MS's original plan for the XB1 and wish it never got changed. People are just fighting the inevitable future by denying it. Steam has proven its the best route to go with its success.

Also lol @ disagree's up above as if I said anything that wasnt 100% true.

[Sly-Lupin]

You'll excuse me for not having much sympathy for those poor Giant Publishers.

One sale or one thousand sales make no tangible difference to a AAA publisher, but those sales can make all the difference to smaller studios.

[Antifan]

Wow, you got disagreed up the butthole for speaking the ugly truth. Sometimes, people don't want to hear the truth. They want beautiful lies and icing on top their tard dinner.

[Jamesx82x]

As much as I dont want to give Konami money at all its MG and Kojima and yeah, cant say no to that. Day 1 purchase but its the last money Konami will ever get from be it gaming or gambling.

I would love to see the game break records though and be an excellent swan song for Kojima.

[TXIDarkAvenger]

I just got it on Steam as thank you to Kojima Productions. A lot of work went into this game. Support it.

[TheVigilanteCode]

I'm buying a brand new copy, in fact I'm going to pre-order the game today and support as much as I can so that Konami realized what they've done to their golden goose by firing them later this year.

This and PES 2016 will be my final Konami games, unless old IP's show up again, by their creators.

[ShaunCameron]

I bet that the author is either gonna pirate it or buy it at such a steep discount that Konami won't be able to recoup resulting in the developers losing their jobs and fewer if any MGS games released at all in the future.

[Realms]

I guess I just don't understand this train of though you're not supporting Konami by buying the game day one. You are acknowledging Kojima and his development team for their hard work and saying thank you. This may well be the last Kojima Metal Gear we ever see, for that reason alone I will be buying on day one. As for the treatment of Kojima and his dev, they can now move forward and put behind them all the negativity surrounding them and Konami. Best of luck to them I look forward to what new ideas Kojima comes up with in the future.

[benji101]

Highest sales will end up being PC anyway. All Digital.

[Clown_Syndr0me]

Mine literally just dropped through the letter box.
I bought it because I want to play it, I don't give a crap who gets the money.

[Ozmoses]

I pre-ordered the Collector's Edition back in March...

You're damn right I'll be playing it.. I bought it for me and no one else!!

MGS for life...

[PaleMoonDeath]

Better be buying it digital then, if not? Idiot.

[WingZero351]

Hi everyone. I'm the author of this article.

To be clear, we all know it matters not what I choose to do. The game's gonna sell millions, easy. My decision to buy a used copy won't hurt Konami or Kojima in the slightest. Besides, Konami already makes their money when they ship a game, so.

It's just...the way they are treating their employees is beyond horrible. Like I said in my article, really read those Kotaku links. It's pretty sick, and that's not to mention their seeming denial of Kojima's existence. And, as far as supporting Kojima, I have every Metal Gear game in existence PLUS the collection on PS3. So I have 2 copies of each game. Dude's got several hundred dollars worth of my money (and well earned, too).

I dunno, I just can't justify giving them my money after reading about their employee treatment. Even if it is "one last time." I know it's the last Metal Gear; without Kojima, any future MG's will be in name only, right?

Am I wrong? Like I wrote in the article, I'm torn here. The title was written like that because...I felt I should choose one side or the other. And this side made sense to me. Again: am I wrong? Help me out.

[Bolts]

You're a hypocrite and a troll. If you give a shit about how companies treat their employees then you wouldn't own Apple products or shoes. Because the people who made those products did so in applauding conditions that you wouldn't want to spend a day in.

This entire drama about Konami and Kojima is about how millionaires treat other millionaires. No matter what happens they're still fifthy rich. In short, only fanboys cares about this.

[ShaunCameron]

Aside from the CEO and the shareholders, no one @ Konami are millionaires. Not even Kojima.

[Gh05t]

@ShaunCameron

I highly doubt that...

http://www.celebritynetwort...

I am not saying this website is accurate but it would have to be off by a factor of 30 to go anywhere near what you are claiming.

[Gh05t]

By PLAYING the game at all you may have not supported the company financially, but you still SUPPORT the products they make. This in turn still says you are okay with the so called "horrible" treatment of its employees, since this product was made using that horrible treatment.

You are just deceiving yourself into feeling better to play a game your conscious is telling you that shouldn't be played because of how you feel.

So stop lying to yourself, you are no different than a person buying it new. If you had any back bone and really truly want to do the right thing than you would not buy the game if it were in the dollar bin, at Gamestop, a decade from now because THAT is having principles.

Grow up, be honest with yourself, and stop making excuses.

[solidboss07]

So Kojima fell out with Konami, partly because MGSV cost a bit of money to create.
If everybody takes the view of 'stuff Konami, I'm not buying that Metal Gear game', then Kojima will never be allocated funding by any game publisher to create another triple A title ever again.
Its a false logic and would do more harm than Konami.

[FPS_D3TH]

This logic is also false. Konami shot themselves in the foot. 10/10 reviews would say kojima knows what's good. Nobody's going to deny him an opportunity because people have Konami the finger.

[Dario_DC]

Off to MicroMania to get my copy :D see ya later f**kers :D
Buy what you like, support whoever you want it's your $$$ use it as you please.

[zaz12]

If no one buys new copies, there won't be used copies.

[redknight80]

So you will just wait until someone else buys the game at full retail, supporting Konami and their practices...and then once they are done with the game, you will just buy it from them and somehow your hands are totally clean?

That makes no darn sense and you will still be supporting Konami, whether you play it on day one or day eight. You will surely be online in some way, getting updates/patches and then who knows...maybe you will forget about it all after a few months and end up buying the DLC.

If you do go through with this master plan to keep your hands clean, please buy direct from a gamer and not from some middleman store, please. At least help out a fellow gamer by paying him direct so he can buy and play more games.

[hiawa23]

Bought the digital copy as I do with most games this gen. I don't think enough about games to send messages to pubs/devs, as I just play them, so for whatever reason one deems not worth buying a game, new, don't buy. Life will continue. Must everything be drame or theater? Just games..

[susanto1228]

I am highly critical of video game and video game companies fubarring titles...even titles as popular as Witcher 3 and Batman Arkham Knight managed to annoy the hell out of me to where I told myself I would not spend a red cent on those two games...

but Kojima and Co. deserve every bit of my 59.99 ...all the programmers, video game artists will reap the rewards of this Game of the year edition game 2015 yes that's right GOTY 2015 it is truly next gen unlike all the other 2015 titles that includes FO4 which I plan on getting also....

waiting for preload

[StormSailor]

that garbage article I wasted my time reading, it was the stupidest thing I've seen in my whole week.

[poor_cus_of_games]

I've been playing thus game since yesterday morning (thanks simply games) and have to say that it really is awesome. From the enemy Ai to the whole feel of the game is epic.

[alabtrosMyster]

I won't either, but this is because I'm in Canada and our money is now worthless... it will be 75$ :-/

So I'll wait for a used copy at a price that won't cause a fight with my GF....

[Agrim]

To get it used, well, someone has to buy it first.

[CaitSith]

Dude, I don't care what you do with your money. I'm buying it day one, been waiting for too long.

[Wickerman1972]

Well, if ya don't buy it then to them it'll just confirm their belief that the game was over-budgeted and parting ways with him was the right thing to do.