The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Video Game›Metal Gear Solid
Entertainment • Video Game

Metal Gear Solid

Metal Gear Solid is a 1998 stealth action video game developed and published by Konami for the PlayStation.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Metal Gear Solid is a 1998 stealth action video game developed and published by Konami for the PlayStation. Directed, produced, and written by Hideo Kojima, it is the third mainline entry in the Metal Gear series and is widely credited with popularizing the stealth genre.

Gameplay

Metal Gear Solid emphasizes stealth, hiding, and avoiding direct confrontation rather than relying on open combat. Its design helped define later stealth games and introduced cinematic presentation to a wider audience.

Plot

The game follows Solid Snake, a former special forces operative, as he infiltrates Shadow Moses to stop a rogue FOXHOUND unit led by Liquid Snake. The mission centers on preventing a nuclear threat linked to the Metal Gear weapons system.

Development

Konami developed and published the game, with Hideo Kojima serving as director, producer, and writer. It was first shown at the 1996 Tokyo Game Show and became notable for its cinematic style.

Reception and legacy

Metal Gear Solid is often described as one of the most important PlayStation games and a landmark in stealth design. Sources credit it with helping popularize stealth gameplay and influencing later action-adventure titles.

Key facts

  • Metal Gear Solid is a 1998 stealth action game for the PlayStation.
  • It was directed, produced, and written by Hideo Kojima.
  • The story follows Solid Snake infiltrating Shadow Moses to stop a rogue FOXHOUND unit.
  • The game is widely credited with popularizing the stealth genre.
  • It is the third mainline entry in the Metal Gear series.
🍁
Canadian context

Metal Gear Solid has been widely released and discussed in Canadian gaming culture through PlayStation and later re-releases, but it does not have a distinct Canada-specific origin or setting in the available sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is Metal Gear Solid?
It is a 1998 stealth action video game developed and published by Konami for the PlayStation.
Who created Metal Gear Solid?
Hideo Kojima directed, produced, and wrote the game.
What series does it belong to?
It is part of Konami's Metal Gear series and is the third mainline entry.
Who is the main character?
The main character is Solid Snake, a former special forces operative.
Why is the game notable?
It is widely credited with popularizing stealth gameplay and with advancing cinematic techniques in video games.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_Gear_Solid_(video_game)
    Supports: Release year, platform, developer/publisher, director/producer/writer, series position, and plot summary.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_Gear
    Supports: Series context, influence on stealth games, and cinematic reputation.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Metal-Gear-Solid
    Supports: Series overview, stealth-focused gameplay, and significance in PlayStation history.