Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind the Metal Gear series, has taken steps to ensure his creative influence endures long after he’s gone. During a conversation with a gaming magazine, he revealed that he entrusted his personal assistant with a USB stick containing a collection of game ideas. He described it as a sort of will, designed to guide Kojima Productions in continuing to create fresh, innovative content rather than solely managing existing intellectual properties. This move reflects his deep commitment to the studio’s future and its ability to push boundaries in gaming.
A Shift in Perspective During the Pandemic
The global pandemic profoundly impacted Kojima’s outlook on life and work. At 60, he faced serious illness and underwent eye surgery, experiences that forced him to confront his mortality. He shared that, until then, he hadn’t felt the weight of aging and assumed he could create indefinitely. However, the challenges of that period shifted his mindset, leading him to question how much time he has left to craft games and films. He estimated perhaps a decade remains for him to bring his visions to life, prompting a surge in new projects and the creation of the USB stick to secure his legacy.
Time as a Game Mechanic
Kojima’s fascination with incorporating real-world time into gameplay remains a hallmark of his innovative approach. He discussed several unused concepts that leverage the passage of time in unique ways. One idea involves a game where the player’s character ages from childhood to old age. As the character grows older, their physical abilities decline—slower movement, weaker eyesight—but their knowledge and experience increase, altering how players tackle challenges. He acknowledged that such a game might not appeal to a wide audience but noted enthusiasm from those who appreciate his distinctive style.
Another concept revolves around a game where players nurture something that matures over time, like wine or cheese. This would require long-term engagement, functioning almost like an idle game that rewards patience and persistence.
Perhaps the most intriguing is a “forgetting game,” where the main character loses critical skills and memories if the player takes extended breaks. For instance, neglecting the game could cause the character to forget how to use a weapon or their role in the story, potentially rendering them immobile. Kojima humorously suggested players might need to take a week off to fully immerse themselves in such a game.
Scrapped Ideas and Future Possibilities
Kojima also shared a concept initially planned for Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, where the protagonist’s beard would grow over time, requiring players to shave it to maintain a polished appearance. He ultimately scrapped this idea, citing concerns about making the character, portrayed by a well-known actor, appear unkempt. However, he hinted that this mechanic could find a place in a future project, showcasing his willingness to experiment with unconventional ideas.
A Busy Horizon for Kojima Productions
Kojima Productions is bustling with activity, juggling multiple ambitious projects. Alongside Death Stranding 2, the studio is developing a live-action Death Stranding film in collaboration with A24, known for critically acclaimed movies. Additionally, Kojima is working on OD for Xbox Game Studios and Physint, a hybrid game-and-movie project for Sony. Production challenges, including an ongoing actors’ strike, have delayed progress on OD and Physint, leaving release dates uncertain. Despite these hurdles, Kojima’s relentless creativity continues to drive the studio forward.