The phrase “video game movie” tends to inspire doubt, if not outright terror. While precious few exceptions exist, that justified negativity normally stems from unfaithfulness to the source material. The Metal Gear Solid film continues to roll on with a completed script, surely bringing dread to many fans of the franchise. However, an IGN interview with the film’s director, Jordan Vogt-Roberts, indicates that panic may not be necessary in this case. The director promises that the movie will remain true to Hideo Kojima’s revered franchise.

The full interview (linked above) offers Vogt-Roberts’ insights into video game movies, Death Stranding, and quite a few other topics. The most interesting talking points cover the work being done on Metal Gear Solid. The director states that the script has been reworked countless times to make sure they stay true to Kojima’s vision. This is no cheap adaptation to reap financial rewards. Vogt-Roberts wants the Metal Gear Solid movie, like the games, to be a work of art.

“Let’s really think about whether we’re making the truest, most balls-to-the-wall Metal Gear version of this–the most Kojima version of this, and even if that means we make it for a little bit less money, let’s make the version of this that’s true to what it is, fully committed to what Kojima’s voice is.”

How often does a director sacrifice box office totals for fan appreciation? That’s commitment to players we have never seen in gaming before. Of course, the possibility remains that studio heads could force the Metal Gear Solid film to change to their liking. As it stands, however, it appears that Vogt-Roberts is trying to give us the truest video game adaptation to date.

Vogt-Roberts has repeatedly expressed his love for video games, including a desire to helm a Metroid film. This differs drastically from many involved in video game movies, such as Assassin’s Creed star Michael Fassbender. (Predictably, that film failed to deliver.) Vogt-Roberts understands that tone and the source material can carry a video game and its screen adaptation to success. Unlike so many game adaptations, Metal Gear Solid appears to be in the perfect hands.

What do you think, gamers? Do you have faith in Vogt-Roberts? Or have previous game adaptations poisoned the genre for you? Will we see an actor hiding in a cardboard box? Let us know in the comments, and follow DFTG on Twitter for more gaming and entertainment news!