Metal Gear Solid Δ: OEM Bust Figures

Shikwasa Creatives was engaged by Konami to support the OEM production of official bust figures for Metal Gear Solid Δ. Shikwasa Creatives has worked with Konami on multiple projects over the years, building a strong working relationship based on trust, reliability, and consistently high-end collectible quality. Through these collaborations, Konami became well acquainted with Shikwasa Creatives' ability to deliver exceptional sculpting, materials, finishing, and production control at a premium standard. As a result, Konami specifically requested Shikwasa to support this OEM production,

ensuring the final product would meet both OEM requirements and the expectations of a global, detail-oriented fanbase.

Challenges

Metal Gear Solid is a globally recognized franchise with exceptionally high brand equity. Any official product associated with the title must meet strict quality, accuracy, and brand-consistency standards. This project presented several core challenges:

1. Extremely high fan and brand expectation

   Metal Gear fans are highly knowledgeable and demand accuracy in facial likeness,

   proportions, tactical equipment, and surface detail.

2. Strict internal licensor standards

   As a flagship Konami IP, the project required close coordination with internal teams, multiple submission rounds, and detailed approvals at every stage.

3. Premium quality with OEM constraints

   While this was an OEM production, the product was required to reflect the same level of quality associated with high-end collectibles.

The Approach

Leveraging Shikwasa Creatives' established relationship with Konami and its OEM production framework, the project followed a structured, milestone-driven workflow, refined over more than 10 years of licensed collectible manufacturing.

Every stage incorporated:

• Internal quality benchmarks

• Formal submission and approval cycles

• Continuous coordination with Konami stakeholders

This ensured creative intent, technical feasibility, and brand compliance remained

aligned throughout the project lifecycle.

The project followed a structured, seven-stage OEM production workflow built on more than 10 years of licensed collectible manufacturing experience. It began with an initial consultation to define product scope, quality expectations, and approval structure, followed by 2D concept art refined through Konami feedback to align with the Metal Gear Solid Δ visual identity. Once approved, the design was translated into a 3D model focused on accurate anatomy and facial likeness, then physically realized as a grey prototype to verify proportions and balance before color was applied. The approved sculpt then became a colored prototype, a near-final sample focused on paint accuracy, material realism, and OEM assembly — which underwent formal submission and approval.

In parallel, Shikwasa supported production for packaging and Certificate of Authenticity (COA), which were led by Konami as licensor, ensuring brand consistency and premium presentation. With all approvals secured, the project entered full mass production, covering factory oversight, quality control inspections, final packaging integration, and delivery coordination. Every stage incorporated internal quality benchmarks, formal submission cycles, and continuous coordination with Konami, keeping creative intent, technical feasibility, and brand compliance aligned from start to finish.

The Outcome

Although produced as an OEM item, the Metal Gear Solid Δ bust successfully reflects

the premium craftsmanship associated with Figurama Collectors’

high-end collectibles.

The project:

• Met Konami’s strict licensing and quality requirements

• Leveraged an established, trusted partnership

• Demonstrated how premium collectible expertise can elevate OEM production

Words from collectors

The Metal Gear Solid Δ bust has been well received by fans and press alike, praised as a work of art for its incredible detail and surprising heft — a clear sign it wasn't made of cheap materials. The reception reflects the premium standard fans expect from high-end collectibles bearing the Metal Gear Solid name.