Konami reportedly stopped Hideo Kojima from developing a Matrix game for The Wachowskis

Hideo Kojima was approached by The Wachowskis to create a Matrix game, but Konami blocked the project in 1999

In a revelation that has reignited discussion among gaming fans, former Konami vice president Christopher Bergstresser has claimed that the studio once blocked Hideo Kojima from developing a video game based on The Matrix.

Speaking to Time Extension, Bergstresser explained that The Wachowskis personally approached Kojima in 1999 following the success of their film.

They reportedly visited Konami’s Tokyo headquarters with concept artist Geoff Darrow and asked Kojima to take on the project. However, Konami executive Kazumi Kitaue refused the proposal, insisting that Kojima focus entirely on Metal Gear Solid 2.

At the time, Kojima had become one of Konami’s most valuable creators following the global success of Metal Gear Solid. Despite his interest in new ideas, the company preferred to prioritise sequels over experimental projects. Bergstresser recalled that Kojima showed “immense disappointment” when the plan was rejected.

Kojima’s 1999 development diary also mentioned his meeting with The Wachowskis and Darrow at Tokyo’s Hyatt Park. He later attended The Matrix’s Japanese premiere, where he noted similarities between Neo’s wall-running scenes and a character from Metal Gear Solid 2 named Chinaman, who was ultimately cut from the final game.

Following Konami’s decision, The Wachowskis partnered with Shiny Entertainment, leading to the release of Enter the Matrix and The Path of Neo. While both achieved commercial success, they received mixed critical reception.

Online, fans have revisited the story with speculation about how Kojima’s interpretation of The Matrix might have influenced gaming.

Many suggested that his later work, including Death Stranding, reflects the kind of creative freedom he may have brought to the cyberpunk universe The Wachowskis envisioned.