Hideo Kojima, renowned for his innovative approach to video game design, has recently shared some intriguing insights into his creative process and future plans, even beyond his lifetime. In a candid interview with Edge magazine, as reported by VGC, Kojima disclosed a deeply personal shift in his perspective triggered by the challenges of the pandemic.
Turning 60, Kojima found himself grappling with his mortality after a severe illness and an eye operation. "Turning 60 was less of a turning point in my life than my experiences during the pandemic," he reflected. This period of introspection led him to question how many more years he had to contribute to the world of gaming and film. "Perhaps I have 10 years?" he pondered, a thought that spurred a flurry of new projects and the creation of a USB stick containing his game ideas.
Kojima has been thinking about what happens once he's gone. Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Pictures.
This USB stick, which Kojima described as "kind of like a will," was entrusted to his personal assistant. It represents his hope for the continued innovation and success of Kojima Productions after his departure. "Perhaps they could continue to make things after I’m gone at Kojima Productions… This is a fear for me: what happens to Kojima Productions after I’m gone? I don’t want them to just manage our existing IP," he explained.
In addition to these revelations, Kojima shared more about his creative process on his Japanese radio podcast, KOJI10. He discussed how the passage of time in real life could be integrated into video games, revealing concepts that have not yet seen the light of day. One such concept was initially planned for Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, where the protagonist Sam's beard would grow over time, requiring players to shave it to keep him looking sharp. "However, as Norman Reedus is a big star, I didn’t want to make him look uncool!" Kojima humorously noted, though he left open the possibility of using this mechanic in future projects.
Kojima also unveiled three unique game concepts centered around the theme of time. The first is a game of life where the player ages from childhood to old age, with their physical abilities and strategic approaches evolving accordingly. "But no-one would buy it!" Kojima jested, though his podcast co-hosts showed enthusiasm for the idea.
Another concept involves a game where players must nurture something that matures over time, like wine or cheese, suggesting a slow-paced, perhaps idle, gaming experience.
Finally, Kojima proposed a "forgetting game" where the main character loses important skills and memories if the player takes too long a break. "Players would have to take a week off work or school to play it," he quipped, highlighting the urgency and intensity this game would demand.
Amidst these creative explorations, Kojima and his studio, Kojima Productions, are busier than ever. Alongside the anticipated Death Stranding 2, Kojima is collaborating on a live-action Death Stranding film with A24, working on OD for Xbox Game Studios, and developing Physint, a video game and movie hybrid for Sony. However, release dates for OD and Physint remain uncertain, as Kojima mentioned in January that the ongoing video game actors strike has impacted their production.
These revelations not only showcase Kojima's relentless creativity but also his thoughtful approach to legacy and the future of gaming.
