Fact Check: Is Metal Gear Rising canon?

Is Metal Gear Rising Canon?

The question of whether "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance" is considered canon within the broader "Metal Gear" series has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts alike. This discussion revolves around the game's relationship to the main series, its development history, and the statements made by series creator Hideo Kojima.

What We Know

Kojima's Stance: Hideo Kojima, the creator of the "Metal Gear" series, has indicated that he only considers the games he directed as part of the "Metal Gear Saga." This includes titles like "Metal Gear Solid" and "Metal Gear Solid 2," but notably excludes "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance," which he did not direct [1].
Development Background: "Metal Gear Rising" was initially announced as "Metal Gear Solid: Rising" but was later rebranded to emphasize its spin-off nature. The game was developed by PlatinumGames, with Kojima Productions serving as a supervising entity [4].
Game's Position in the Timeline: The game is set after "Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots," and while it features Raiden, a character from the main series, it is described as having minimal impact on the overarching narrative of the series [3].
Community Perspectives: Opinions within the gaming community vary. Some argue that the game should be considered canon due to its placement in the timeline and its connection to established characters, while others contend that its spin-off status and Kojima's lack of direct involvement disqualify it from being canon [2][6][7].
Fandom Discussions: Various forums and fan sites have hosted discussions on this topic, with some users asserting that because the game alters certain story elements, it cannot be considered canon [8].

Analysis

The debate over the canonicity of "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance" hinges on several factors, including the authority of Hideo Kojima's statements, the game's development context, and its narrative significance within the "Metal Gear" universe.

Kojima's Authority: As the original creator, Kojima's definition of canon carries weight. His explicit statement that only the games he directed are canonical suggests a clear boundary that excludes "Rising" [1]. However, the role of a supervising director can complicate this, as it implies some level of oversight and approval over the game's content [4].
Community Bias: The gaming community's opinions are often influenced by personal attachment to characters and narratives. Some fans may be inclined to accept "Rising" as canon due to their enjoyment of the game or its characters, which could lead to confirmation bias in discussions [2][3].
Methodological Concerns: Many of the sources discussing this topic are informal, including forum posts and fan discussions, which may lack rigorous analysis or objective criteria for determining canonicity. This raises questions about the reliability of these sources and the validity of their claims [6][8].
Additional Context: A more comprehensive understanding of the game's narrative and its connections to the main series would benefit the discussion. For instance, examining how "Rising" fits into the character arcs established in previous titles could provide insight into its significance within the series.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The assertion that "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance" is canon within the "Metal Gear" series is deemed false based on several key pieces of evidence. Hideo Kojima, the series creator, has explicitly stated that only the games he directed are considered part of the official canon, which excludes "Rising" [1]. Additionally, the game's development by PlatinumGames as a spin-off further supports its non-canonical status. While some community members argue for its inclusion based on character connections and timeline placement, these perspectives do not outweigh the authoritative stance provided by Kojima.

It is important to note that the debate surrounding this topic is influenced by subjective opinions and personal attachments to the game, which can lead to biases in interpretation. Furthermore, many discussions are rooted in informal sources that may lack rigorous analysis, highlighting the need for caution when evaluating claims of canonicity.

Readers are encouraged to critically assess information and consider the context and authority behind claims, especially in discussions involving complex narratives like those found in the "Metal Gear" series.