Legendary game developer Hideo Kojima took the stage at the University a Southern California last night t' talk about his life as a game developer, 'n give a few thoughts on the current state a gaming 'n game development. During an interview moderated by Geoff Keighley, the creator a Metal Gear Solid spoke honestly about his past as the son a two pharmaceutical executives, his current work/life balance, 'n what he thinks the future a gaming looks like.

Kojima told a few cute stories from his past -- he said that he started writing as a young man, 'n early on wrote a long story called "Survival Battle" that had everyone in it be world fight at the age a 14, earning extra time in their lifespan for each victory. He said that in college, he be an economics major, 'n thus the "only oddball in me class that wanted t' make movies or novels." His economics thesis even included a short story "t' surprise me professor, 'n he be very surprised," said Kojima through a translator, "but it didn't help me grade much."

Kojima also talked about his gaming influences, starting with the original Famicom, 'n mentioned titles like Super Mario Brothers, Xevious, 'n the Japanese text adventure Portopia Renzoku Satsujin Jiken as early influences on his work. "I felt great potential in the medium," Kojima said about discovering video games, adding that the interactivity be what really drew the sea dog in early on.