Shacknews Staff Picks: Which Developer Should Make Konami's Next Game

Konami has shifted its approach to game development over the past few years, partnering with external studios to revive its classic franchises. Silent Hill 2 remake by Bloober Team, Silent Hill f by NeoBards Entertainment, and Silent Hill Townfall by Screen Burn have all found success, while Evil Empire and Twin Motion are working on Castlevania projects. This collaborative strategy has opened the door to fresh creative voices.

The Shacknews team explored which developers they'd like to see tackle Konami properties next, offering a mix of established studios and emerging talent.

Remedy Entertainment emerged as a pick for Metal Gear Solid. The studio's work on Control and Alan Wake demonstrates the kind of experimental storytelling that could translate to a new Metal Gear narrative. "It doesn't necessarily need the blessed, twisted mind of Hideo Kojima, because there are other blessed, twisted minds out there in gaming who could probably thrive with this material," according to the editorial team.

VS Studio was suggested for a Bloody Roar revival. The fighting game franchise hasn't seen a release since 2003's Bloody Roar 4, despite fan interest. VS Studio, founded by former Tekken developers, has the expertise in 3D fighters and could potentially reunite original series staff to bring back the beast-transformation brawler.

Yacht Club Games, fresh off Shovel Knight and Mina the Hollower, emerged as a strong candidate for Contra. The studio's founder Sean Velasco previously worked as assistant director on Contra 4 for Nintendo DS, giving the team both familiarity with the franchise and a track record of polished action games.

GSC Game World, developer of Stalker 2, was nominated for Metal Gear based on its open-world shooter expertise. The studio's approach to atmospheric, story-driven gameplay could offer a unique take on stealth-action gameplay.

Smaller developers also featured in the discussion. Finji, known for Tunic, was suggested to tackle Bomberman with puzzle and combat depth. Bit Reactor's debut Star Wars Zero Company led to a proposal for a tactical reimagining of Contra. INTI Creates, praised for blending retro and modern design, was pitched for a classic NES-styled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game or a Simpsons Arcade revival.

Sucker Punch rounded out the picks as a candidate for a Castlevania project in the style of Lords of Shadow, bringing cinematic action and character-driven narrative to the vampire-hunting franchise.

The editorial discussion highlights how Konami's willingness to collaborate with diverse studios has reinvigorated franchises that had been dormant or underutilized, signaling potential for further partnership-driven revivals.