Metal Gear Survive became a viral sensation for all the wrong reasons following its 2018 release, serving as the first title in the series after Hideo Kojima's departure from Konami. The meme culture surrounding the game typically focuses on the perceived 'zombification' of the tactical espionage franchise, mocking its shift to survival-crafting and its controversial microtransactions—specifically the $10 additional save slot. Common templates feature the box art or gameplay of characters poking enemies through fences, symbolizing a low-effort approach to game design. It remains a staple in gaming circles as a cautionary tale of corporate franchise management.