In an unexpected twist affecting the
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance speedrunning community, a recent Windows 11 update has reportedly patched a significant gameplay glitch. This update, sourced from Microsoft rather than Konami, impacts the speedrunning strategies for the game, particularly concerning a glitch involving the character Emma Emmerich that allowed players to skip portions of gameplay. This turn of events has sparked discussions and reactions across the gaming community.
A Closer Look at the Glitch
The glitch in question involved a clever exploit that allowed players to push Emma Emmerich out of bounds in the air purification room of Shell 2 Core, as well as on the KL connecting bridge. This glitch enabled players to effectively "teleport" Emma further into the level by reloading the area, saving crucial seconds that could be the difference between a world record run and a mediocre time. This technique was not only a testament to the ingenuity of the speedrunning community but also a staple of any serious runner's strategy. Each second saved in a run is vital, particularly in a game as complex and nuanced as
Metal Gear Solid 2. The intricacies of the game's mechanics have long been a playground for speedrunners, using bugs and glitches to push their times lower.
The Impact of the Windows 11 Update
As reported by speedrunner
@ApacheSmash via Twitter, this functionality appears to be broken following the update implemented on August 27, 2024. The tweet expressed surprise and frustration as it highlighted how a Windows 11 update could disrupt established gameplay mechanics in a game that had not received a direct update or patch from its developer in years. Currently, there has been no comprehensive verification of the glitch's removal within the speedrunning community, partly due to the fact that the glitch only affects the PC version of
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance. This version was already somewhat obscure, having been delisted from digital storefronts back in 2021. In contrast, players have been able to access
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty through various collections, such as the
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection released last year.
Microsoft vs. Konami: A Peculiar Situation
The peculiarity of this incident cannot be overstated. Unlike typical game updates where a developer may address exploits or glitches, the responsibility here lies with Microsoft's Windows 11 updates. While Microsoft routinely releases updates to improve security and performance across its operating systems, it is unusual for such updates to inadvertently affect gameplay mechanics of older games. With Windows 11's latest updates being said to enhance Enterprise and Education versions, it raises questions about how these changes could have impacted a game released over two decades ago. Interestingly, there is no indication in the published improvements that these updates were intended to address anything related to
Metal Gear Solid 2. Such a scenario leaves speedrunners in an awkward position—whether to continue using Windows 11 or revert to a previous version while seeking clarity on the situation.
Implications for the Speedrunning Community
The implications of this update extend beyond just the technical aspects—they touch upon the spirit of speedrunning itself. Speedrunning has long embraced a culture of creativity and innovation. Players innovate around glitches and exploits to share techniques, and the recent outage of a vital glitch has caused significant unrest in a community that thrives on competition and breaking barriers. When speedrunners must adjust or re-evaluate their strategies due to changes from an external source—especially one as unexpected as a Windows update—it raises broader questions about the sustainability of speedrunning in the face of technology changes. Patches that alter the frame of reference for competitors could lead to frustration and a potential decline in interest in specific game categories, particularly if glitches that have long defined their runs become unavailable.
Community Reactions and Discussions
Reactions within the gaming community have varied; some express disappointment and frustration, while others see this as an opportunity to explore new strategies and adapt. Discussions on platforms such as Twitter and dedicated speedrunning forums have centered on feelings of perplexity and interest in investigating how to adapt to this unexpected challenge. As speedrunners begin to report on the issue, they might seek alternative methods or new strategies to regain competitive edge. A common sentiment among competitors is the necessity to adapt quickly, integrating other glitches or mechanics to compensate for the loss of Emma's teleportation trick.
Historical Context: The Legacy of Metal Gear Solid Series
The
Metal Gear Solid series has been an influential pillar in video game history. Hideo Kojima’s creation not only redefined the stealth genre but also introduced complex narratives that resonated deeply with players. While
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty was lauded for its story and innovative gameplay upon release, its spinoff,
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance, offered additional content and gameplay configurations that further engaged players. The franchise has witnessed numerous adaptations and releases across different platforms. Despite advances in gaming technology, the community surrounding the
Metal Gear Solid series has remained robust, with dedicated fans often revisiting older titles, eager to explore their favorite vastly layered experiences anew.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent Windows 11 update has put the
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance speedrunning community in a uniquely challenging position. The removal of a crucial glitch—regardless of the reason—highlights the unpredictable nature of maintaining a competitive edge in video games long after their release. This incident exemplifies how updates to operating systems can ripple through the gaming landscape, altering not just the way games are played, but the community dynamics surrounding them. The
Metal Gear Solid series continues to inspire dedication and innovation, and while speedrunners will undoubtedly adapt to these changes, the motivations and reactions surrounding this glitch will likely foster a stronger community. As technology and gaming evolve, one can only anticipate how speedrunners will rise to meet new challenges and craft fresh paths within the rich history of gaming.
Source: GamesRadar+
Metal Gear Solid 2 speedrunners sent back to the drawing board after a Windows 11 update, not Konami, fixes a time-saving glitch
