Kojima says Ground Zeroes is about gameplay, not 'Clear Time'

Following Game Informer's report that Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes took approximately two hours to complete, series creator Hideo Kojima explained via Twitter that the title's length varies pending players' approach to its non-linear format and its replayability offered by extra missions and modes.

"MGSV Ground Zeros includes the main mission alongside 5 Side Ops," Kojima posted. "All missions include elements such as ‘Trial Records,' where players can compete against each other online. This is not a linear game like in the past. GZ offers freedom of approach and play style, which we hope players will enjoy over and over without boring.

"I believe people will be studied with the ‘Play Time' of GZ and will not stress the ‘Clear Time,' which is a standard for linear games," he finished.

Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes is the standalone prologue to Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. Kojima revealed last year that Ground Zeroes and Phantom Pain were broken up to offer fans something to play while the latter is still in development. The prologue is slated to launch in spring 2014 for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

For more information about the topic, watch yesterday's Friends List where deputy news editor Mike McWhertor and reporter Dave Tach asked if a game could be too short or too long.