Kojima backtracks on ‘erotic’ comments but Halo dev lashes out

Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima has said his use of the word ‘erotic’ in controversial comments yesterday was incorrect.

The famed developer yesterday said he wanted characters in MGS5 to be more ‘erotic’ in able to sell more figures and encourage cosplayers.

But Polygon reports that Kojima said via a translator yesterday that a more appropriate word would have been ‘sexy’.

"Maybe the phrase ‘erotic’ wasn’t really [the correct word for] what I was trying to say," he stated. "What I’m really trying to do is create unique characters. One of those is, of course, Quiet. She’s a really unique character, I wanted to add that sexiness to her. It wasn’t really supposed to be erotic, but sexy.”

Designer Yoji Shinkawa added: "From my perspective, it’s not just the characters, but often I look at a weapon or a vehicle and think ‘That’s really sexy. It’s not just the characters, but the mechs and weapons [as well]. Sexy could be for guys, weapons, vehicles, it’s really that characteristic."

However, 343 Industries designer David Ellis has taken to Twitter to criticise Kojima for his comments, referring specifically to this picture.

Don’t care if this gets me in trouble. This character design is disgusting,” Ellis wrote. Our industry should be better than this. Industry full of man babies. Ugh.

Eccentricity is a cute cover word for objectification and sexism,” he responded when challenged. Sexuality can be used for purpose. I actually thought it worked in Bayonetta, for example. This feels lazy and exploitative.”