"Whatever's coming up, they're not taking any chances." "Management has been running non-stop inspections," Olsen added on April 20. Management must be preparing for something big soon!" Olsen tweeted on April 16. "There are far more boxes being shipped around than usual. Then, last week, Olsen started tweeting multiple references to a visit from President Johnson happening "next week," adding an apparent timed element, fueling suspicions that an alternate reality game was forming. Olsen has also posted first-person videos moving around Big Shell in a way that isn't possible in the original game (where players can't move when the camera is in the first-person perspective). Throughout April, the account has posted dozens of photos showing Big Shell looking a bit sharper than even its 2011 HD remaster-and from angles that would seem impossible to get through traditional gameplay. I'll just wait here until everyone leaves. It sounds like my friend is REALLY tearing into someone. until I ended up stuck in an awkward situation. AdvertisementĪ follower suggested riding the conveyor belt in Strut E to see where it goes. Recovering Mets fan." So far, the account has amassed nearly 4,000 followers despite only following four accounts: three related to Konami and MGS and one for the New York Mets. Married 10 years to my wonderful wife Karen. Tom Olsen's Twitter account describes him as a "born and bred NYer. Instead, the account is the creation of a lone fan and self-described "Metal Gear Solid historian" who seems to be reveling a bit in the rumors and speculation he's driving. The unique first-person photos and videos Olsen posted from "inside" Big Shell-and the account's interaction with the official Metal Gear Solid Twitter account-have led many to assume that "Tom Olsen" is a viral marketing campaign for an as-yet-unannounced Metal Gear Solid 2 remake. Original story: Weeks ago, a mysterious Twitter account popped up to tell the story of Tom Olsen, an unassuming maintenance technician at the fictional "Big Shell" facility that served as the main setting for Metal Gear Solid 2. If you don't like that, then stop giving these people your attention."] "Unfortunately, a lot of people stand to profit from the spread of false information. "At the very least, it's given me an opportunity to observe how the rumor mill works from inception to conclusion," Nitroid continues.
"In a strange way, it's been a very fitting way to memorialize MGS2-by demonstrating how the rapid transmission of information can lead to a suppression of truth." Nitroid also references this very article in adding that "even the reporters who understood what was going on have been spreading half-truths and exploiting the rumors for their own gain." Nitroid says they "never meant to deceive anyone" and adds that they won't apologize for unfounded rumors that spread not because of his actions, but those of some members of the press. I thought it would be fun to imagine the day to day life of a guy working at Big Shell and how that same guy might deal with the events of the game." "To help me show my appreciation for Metal Gear Solid 2 as it approaches its 20th anniversary.
"You were created with a simple purpose," they say.
[ Further Update (April 30): In a new video posted to YouTube, Nitroid breaks the fourth wall in speaking directly to Tom Olsen.