The Matrix universe, with its intricate plotlines and expansive lore, seems like a goldmine for video game adaptations. Despite this, the franchise has been surprisingly underrepresented in the gaming world. Since the original film’s release 26 years ago, only two noteworthy games have emerged: the action-adventure title Enter the Matrix in 2003 and the MMORPG The Matrix Online in 2005. The Matrix Awakens, released as an interactive experience in late 2021, offered a glimpse into Unreal Engine 5’s capabilities but was more of a tech demo than a fully-fledged game.
Hideo Kojima’s Missed Opportunity with The Matrix
In a surprising revelation, it has surfaced that the acclaimed game designer Hideo Kojima was once approached to create a game inspired by The Matrix. This intriguing piece of news was shared by Christopher Bergstresser, who served as the Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning & Business Development at Konami from 1996 to 2002. During an interview, Bergstresser recalled an event from August 25, 1999, coinciding with the Japanese theatrical debut of the original Matrix movie. The Wachowskis, creators of The Matrix, were avid admirers of Kojima’s work and extended an invitation to him to develop a game based on their film. Unfortunately, this proposal was rejected outright by former Konami CEO Kazumi Kitaue.
The Wachowskis personally reached out to Kojima, eager for him to craft a Matrix game, but were met with a firm ‘No’ from Konami’s leadership.
The Konami Connection
Bergstresser’s account details how the Wachowskis, accompanied by their concept artist, visited Konami’s headquarters to meet Kojima. They expressed a keen desire for him to create the game. However, in the presence of Aki Saito, a long-time collaborator with Kojima, their request was swiftly turned down by Kitaue. Despite the rejection, Kojima reportedly remained interested in the project, hinting at his continued enthusiasm for the idea even after the initial refusal. Although he may have attempted to persuade the executive team to reconsider, the game never materialized.
As fans and gamers, we’re left to wonder what could have been if Kojima’s vision had been realized. The combination of his creative genius and The Matrix’s rich universe might have produced something truly extraordinary.