Konami is Working on a 'Number of Key Projects," But Won't Attend E3 2021
ESA that it "can't wait" for Konami's return.
Konami is working on several "key projects," but it will not be attending E3 2021. The publisher best-known for Metal Gear Solid and Silent Hill released an update saying it plans to sit this year's show out.
"Due to timing we will not be ready to present at E3 this year," Konami wrote in a tweet. "We want to reassure our fans that we are in deep development on a number of key projects, so please stay tuned for some updated in the coming months."
Konami's announcement is a reversal of the previous confirmation that it would be attending the show scheduled for June. It was originally listed alongside Capcom, Ubisoft, Take-Two Interactive, Warner Bros. Games, Koch Media, Nintendo, and Xbox as an E3 2021 attendee.pic.twitter.com/luT4jU890q — Konami (@Konami) April 30, 2021
The ESA responded to Konami's decision with the following statement, "We support our partner Konami’s decision to not participate in E3 this year and are excited to see what they’ll be announcing in the future when they're ready to do so. We can't wait for their return to E3 2022, but in the meantime, we look forward to sharing all of the highly-anticipated reveals, programming and so much more at this year's E3."
What Konami's "key projects' entail makes for some interesting speculation. In the wake of Hideo Kojima's departure in 2015, Konami has largely turned away from big-budget game development, preferring to focus on other parts of its business. Even Pro Evolution Soccer, its annual soccer series, received comparatively limited updates last year. It's enough that Konami had to confirm that it hadn't shut down its gaming division entirely.
There are signs that Konami is dipping a toe back into proper game development. Earlier this month, Konami announced GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon, a rather beautiful remake of a Japanese Famicom game from 1987. Rumors also persist of revivals for Metal Gear Solid and Silent Hill.
For now, Konami is keeping its head down and focusing on its key projects, whatever they might be, so fans will most likely have to wait until 2022 to get a closer loser at its latest and greatest. In the meantime, E3 2021 kicks off on June 12 and runs until June 15.
Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN.
