If you’re a Metal Gear Solid fan, chances are you’ve come to expect a certain voice emanating from the series’ long-time protagonist, Solid Snake, in the English version of the games. Specifically, folks expect one David Hayter. Unfortunately, the latest installment — Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain — will apparently continue on without Hayter’s vocal talents, and he’s put out a statement on Twitter about the whole thing that’s just plain depressing.
Let’s be entirely clear here: Even though this looks like Hayter is absolutely not involved in the latest video game, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that Hideo Kojima would pull an elaborate ruse like this in order to make us think, for whatever reason, that he’s not returning. Also of note, Hayter’s statement was released on April 1st, so there’s that to consider.
Either way, Hayter’s statement comes off as pretty genuine. You can read the whole thing, but here’s the relevant bits:
So, I got in touch with someone involved in the production. We got together for lunch, and he told me that they “wouldn’t be needing me” on this game. No reason, or explanation was given beyond that.
And that was it.
I drove home through Laurel Canyon, bummed, and thinking about Snake.
[…]
If it were my choice, I would do this role forever. To hear anyone else’s voice coming from Snake’s battered throat, makes me a little ill, to be honest.
The rest mostly talks about what the role meant to Hayter and other people, and it’s worth reading in full if you’re a fan. Assuming no subterfuge on the part of Kojima, we’re really looking at a Metal Gear Solid without the iconic voice of Snake.
(TwitLonger via Reddit)
- Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain sure looks strange
- You could always play Metal Gear Salad
- We’re finally getting a Metal Gear Solid movie
