Kojima explains the reason behind "Snake"

Ever wondered why it was decided that the central protagonist of the Metal Gear Solid series should be be codenamed after a reptile? If so, then read on, as Hideo Kojima revealed on Twitter the reasoning behind the decision.

The reason I used Snake as a code name in Metal Gear is that a snake was the most appropriate symbol of a living being that hides his presence, and sneaks without making any noise. The reason why I didn't use any specific snake names like cobra, anaconda or viper was because the protagonist is the player. The reason why I use SOLID was to give opposite impression of something soft.

Like for of all endings of the any series, the appearance of strongest enemy was a must in Metal Gear Solid. It's the Snake who can surpass the Snake. Thus I brought about a "clone." The struggle between SOLID and LIQUID. That was Metal Gear Solid.

As I developed a sequel, a third snake was needed. Since both solid & liquid express an actual natural state. Obviously the next would be "gas" but Gas Snake would be like a human made of gas, and that's not a nice name. So I borrowed from the physics terms "solidus/liquidus". SOLIDUS is not a real state but indicates the border between liquid and solid.

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes is coming to Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, and PS3 on March 21. Check back later today when we'll have more to share with regards to the prologue campaign.