Kojima addresses criticism over MGSV's 'sexy' Quiet character

Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima has responded to recent criticism concerning the intentionally "sexy" depiction of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain's female character Quiet.

In a string of tweets recently, Kojima told fans that there is a contextual reason Quiet--who never speaks in the game--was designed the way she was.

I know there's people concerning about "Quiet" but don't worry. I created her character as an antithesis to the women characters (cont)

— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) September 7, 2013

appeared in the past fighting game who are excessively exposed. "Quiet" who doesn't have a word will be teased in the story as well. (Cont)

— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) September 7, 2013

(Cont) But once you recognize the secret reason for her exposure, you will feel ashamed of your words & deeds.

— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) September 7, 2013

Theme of "MGSV" is "GENE"⇒"MEME"⇒"SCENE"⇒"PEACE"⇒"RACE". Story touches the misunderstanding, prejudice, hatred, conflict caused by (cont)

— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) September 7, 2013

the difference of language, race, custom, culture, and preference. (Cont)

— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) September 7, 2013

(Cont) The response of "Quiet" disclosure few days ago incited by the net is exactly what "MGSV" itself is.

— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) September 7, 2013

The depiction of Quiet has not been without controversy.

In a series of tweets last week, Kojima said he directed MGSV's art director to make some of the game's characters, including Quiet, "more erotic" in an effort to encourage cosplay and promote figurine sales. He has since clarified these tweets, saying "sexy" was a better word to use.

"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," Kojima said. "It wasn't really supposed to be erotic, but sexy."

Halo designer David Ellis took issue with the depiction of Quiet, calling the character design "disgusting" and evidence that the game industry is "full of man babies."

GameSpot recently attended a live demonstration of Metal Gear Solid V prologue Ground Zeroes at Kojima Productions' new office in Los Angeles. Check out GameSpot's impressions for more.