While rumors about a possible Xbox 360 version of the highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid 4 just won't go away, the folks at Famitsu decided it might be interesting to have a popular Western developer – Jade Raymond – actually interview famed Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima.

According to a translation by Develop, Raymond asked Kojima about differences in culture and gameplay and how he creates games that are well received in both Japan and Western markets. "The fundamentals of game design, and how the game controls, come from listening to my instinct, so those aspects get made first," Kojima answered. "The rest we adjust depending on the region. For example, the new system where you can read books to restore your spirit is in all versions of the game, but things like the speed of the recovery are changed depending on region."

With all the controversy surrounding violent games these days, Raymond also asked Kojima about how he deals with violence in games. For Kojima, he wants gamers to understand what the violence really means. "I don't think there are many games that tackle violence head on," he said. "When you hit someone or inflict pain, faces get disfigured for example, and I want to make games that show that sort of thing. If you don't see the pain, you can't understand what you've done, and you'll pass through battles without taking responsibility for your actions. I don't want to ignore that. I want players to think, even if it's just a little, about what violence and war are."

Finally, and perhaps most interestingly, Kojima also praised Raymond's team for Assassin's Creed, which Raymond admits takes some inspiration from Metal Gear. "I've got to choose my words carefully so that I'm not misunderstood, but I think there are fewer developers around today who think about making a good game. As a creator, I find that sad, but when I see teams like the Assassin's Creed team it gives me confidence. I want Assassin's Creed to sell well."

Well, Mr. Kojima, you got your wish. Assassin's has already sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide. Read our Chart Toppers feature on the game for more.