Metal Gear Solid 2 Anticipated Many of Today’s AI Problems
Sophie Laurent 
Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- The Metal Gear Solid series, particularly MGS2 and MGS4, foresaw the potential threats of unchecked generative AI and its implications for humanity.
- The series critically examines the possibility of humans being enslaved by their own technology, using elements of Western culture as illustrations.
- The games propose possible solutions to AI threats, such as deactivating or destroying AI when necessary to protect human lives.
- Villains like Cypher and Big Boss in the series attempt to achieve immortality through artificial intelligence, hinting at the danger of misusing this technology for personal gain.
Metal Gear Solid Series Foresaw AI Enslavement and Immortality Threats
By Pedro Zambarda, Chief Editor In 2001, Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty achieved box office records that rivaled those of major films, profoundly influencing the video game industry. Despite player disappointment over the introduction of rookie Jack (Raiden) as the protagonist instead of the anticipated Solid Snake, Kojima’s game presciently addressed the issue of unchecked generative AI, well ahead of its time. Beyond its critical commentary on proxy wars, mercenaries, and Western culture, the game leveraged elements of Western culture itself to illustrate humanity’s potential enslavement by its own technology. This critique was equally relevant in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, a title known for its extensive cutscenes, which further explored the AI theme by presenting a possible solution: deactivating or destroying AI before it threatens human lives. Additionally, the series depicted villains like Cypher and Big Boss attempting to immortalize themselves through artificial intelligence.
AI and Humanity’s Balance in Kojima’s Prophetic AI Vision
While completely eliminating generative AI in the real world may not be feasible, it is crucial to consider that these technologies should serve humanity, not the other way around. Unending creation solely through AI is insufficient without human involvement. Kojima consistently demonstrates a remarkable ability to craft thought-provoking arguments through his work.
In Case You Missed It
If you’re a fan of thought-provoking video games and the visionary mind behind them, don’t miss out on our latest deep dive into Hideo Kojima’s remarkable career. Bruno Pferd explores the life and work of this iconic Japanese game designer in “Who is Hideo Kojima, Creator of Death Stranding 2 on the Beach?” published on July 29, 2025. From his early days at Konami to founding Kojima Productions, Kojima’s influence on the gaming industry is undeniable. Dive into this fascinating profile and discover how his latest project continues to push boundaries Who is Hideo Kojima, Creator of Death Stranding 2 on the Beach?.
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty |
| Brief Summary | Two years after the events of the Shadow Moses Incident, Solid Snake and Otacon, working as Philanthropy, receive intelligence of a new type of Metal Gear being transported through the Hudson River. As Snake boards the tanker, it's seized by a group of Russian mercenaries led by Revolver Ocelot, intent on stealing the new Metal Gear. Fast-forward to the year 2009: the player takes control of Raiden, a rookie agent operating under the order of the Colonel, apparently a member of a reformed Foxhound unit. His initial assignment is to infiltrate the offshore clean-up facility Big Shell and rescue the President of the United States of America, who was kidnapped by members of a terrorist organization known as Sons of Liberty. However, the matters become increasingly complicated as almost everyone Raiden communicates with appears to have things to hide, and it is hard to tell a friend from foe...
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is the sequel to the espionage action game Metal Gear Solid. Much of the gameplay remains the same, as the game's protagonist has to sneak past guards, outsmart them using various gadgets and defeat the tricky boss enemies. The game expanded its predecessor's cover mechanic, with Solid Snake or Raiden able to take cover behind walls or objects and pop out to shoot at enemies, while the improved enemy AI allowed enemies to also take cover from the player. Metal Gear Solid 2 is considered to be one of the greatest video games of all time, as well as a leading example of artistic expression in video games. |
| Platforms | PlayStation 2 |
| Released | November 13, 2001 |
| Genre | Shooter, Tactical, Adventure |
| Play Modes | Single player |
| Content Rating | 16 |
| Languages | English |
| Genre | Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |
| Genre | Konami |
| Ratings | 89/100 (930 reviews) |
About the Author
Marcus Thompson 
Jonathan Dubinski 
Carlos Mendoza 
Bruno Pferd 
