The concept of postmodernism is a frequently bandied-about term in contemporary art criticism, but it’s rarely applied to a popular contemporary artform: video games. The Japanese video game author Hideo Kojima is known for embracing postmodernist techniques in his games, particularly in his genre-spanning series “Metal Gear”. Ideas of subjective reality, death of the author, and magic realism collide to create one of the most expansive and engaging narratives spanning over three decades of gaming. This panel will discuss the origins and ideals of postmodernism in Hideo Kojima’s “Metal Gear” series as an art form. We will focus heavily on how postmodernist theory is baked into the game design, integration of gameplay and storyline, overarching themes, and the aesthetic and music of the games. This panel will contain major spoilers for Metal Gear 1 and 2, Metal Gear Solid 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as MGSV: Ground Zeroes and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.
