Tag: Kojima Productions

  • Death Stranding 2 PC: New ‘To the Wilder’ Mode for Extreme Challenge

    Death Stranding 2 PC: New ‘To the Wilder’ Mode for Extreme Challenge

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Launch and Difficulty: Death Stranding 2 was perceived as relatively easy by many players at launch, even on its “Brutal” difficulty setting.

    2. Introduction of “To the Wilder” Mode: In response to player feedback, Kojima Productions released the “To the Wilder” mode, designed for those seeking a more challenging experience.

    3. Developer Insights: Lead level designer Hiroaki Yoshiike explained that “To the Wilder” mode was developed to enhance mission difficulty and provide a more realistic gameplay experience.

    4. Significant Changes in Gameplay: The new mode introduces harsher Timefall effects, faster gear degradation, and emphasizes resource management, requiring players to plan more carefully.

    5. Mystery Items: Yoshiike hinted at the importance of previously overlooked items in “To the Wilder,” encouraging players to discover their value through gameplay.

    Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has made its debut on PC, inviting players to dive into the second chapter of Hideo Kojima’s unique and captivating storytelling in this action-oriented delivery simulator. Nonetheless, numerous players discovered the game to be relatively easy upon its launch. The “Brutal” difficulty setting did not provide the challenge many were seeking, prompting Kojima Productions to introduce the “To the Wilder” mode for those craving more intensity.

    Engaging Yet Easy

    While Death Stranding 2 has garnered accolades for its rich characters and immersive narrative, a significant number of gamers still perceive the game as lacking difficulty, even on standard settings. Players can always opt for foot deliveries, yet the option to use vehicles, secure upgrades, and follow user-generated paths makes the task seem nearly too simple.

    New Challenges Ahead

    In response to player input, Kojima Productions introduced a new challenge with the PC version of Death Stranding 2—the “To the Wilder” setting. This update is also available for PS5 users, granting them the chance to experience Death Stranding 2 in a mode that many describe as “hardcore.”

    Interestingly, “To the Wilder” wasn’t part of the original plan for the game’s release. Kojima Productions anticipated that the “Brutal” mode would be sufficient to challenge players. However, as it turned out, many players still felt the game was not quite demanding enough, leading the studio to elevate the challenge with this new mode.

    Insights from the Developer

    In an interview with PC Gamer, lead level designer Hiroaki Yoshiike shared his thoughts on the “To the Wilder” mode, stating:

    “‘To the Wilder,’ as a design idea, was created to offer more difficult methods for completing missions amid harsh conditions. Initially, we thought that the Brutal setting was adequate.

    However, it became clear that some players believed we could push it further. So ‘To the Wilder’ represents the maximum challenge we can offer: a gameplay experience that balances difficulty with enjoyment. We think it allows players to explore the world of Death Stranding 2 in a much more realistic manner.”

    What’s Different?

    The “To the Wilder” mode brings significant changes, like enhanced Timefall effects that now wear down gear more quickly and age characters at a faster rate. Managing resources is now a crucial part of the game rather than an afterthought, compelling players to meticulously plan their routes and select appropriate gear for their delivery tasks.

    Yoshiike added, “For those who have already completed the game, there might be instances where they think, ‘I never use that item.’ But in ‘To the Wilder,’ those items can become vital.”

    When asked for concrete examples of these items, Yoshiike remained somewhat vague, mentioning, “Some were delivery items, others were weapons, and still others were miscellaneous items, but we prefer to keep it a mystery. We want players to discover those details on their own.”

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  • Kojima Productions and ASUS ROG Launch Limited-Edition Gaming Tablet

    Kojima Productions and ASUS ROG Launch Limited-Edition Gaming Tablet

    Key Takeaways

    1. Kojima Productions and ASUS Republic of Gamers announced a collaboration to create limited-edition gaming accessories and a tablet featuring the Ludens mascot.
    2. The product lineup includes the ROG FLOW Z13-KJP tablet, ROG Keris II Origin-KJP mouse, ROG Delta II-KJP headset, and ROG Scabbard II XXL-KJP mouse mat, all designed with a “For Ludens Who Dare” theme.
    3. Yoji Shinkawa, the main artist of Kojima Productions, designed the peripherals with an astronaut theme, incorporating sharp cutouts and a striking color scheme of white, gold, and grey.
    4. The ROG Flow Z13-KJP tablet features a 2.5K resolution display, detachable keyboard, and a sturdy carrying case inspired by Death Stranding.
    5. Pricing and availability details are not yet disclosed, but the collection is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026.

    Hideo Kojima’s Kojima Productions has teamed up with ASUS Republic of Gamers to launch some limited-edition gaming accessories and a tablet, all based on the studio’s famous Ludens mascot.

    Exciting Collaboration Announcement

    This unique partnership was made public in a press release from ASUS, during CES 2026 in January. It reflects Kojima Productions’ philosophy of “From Sapiens to Ludens,” which honors gamers as creators, adventurers, and innovators.

    Product Lineup Details

    The collection from Kojima Productions and ASUS ROG includes the ROG FLOW Z13-KJP tablet, the ROG Keris II Origin-KJP mouse, the ROG Delta II-KJP headset, and the ROG Scabbard II XXL-KJP mouse mat. All of these creations carry the tagline “For Ludens Who Dare.”

    The standout of this collaboration is led by Yoji Shinkawa, the main artist and character designer of Kojima Productions. Shinkawa put his personal touch on the peripherals, incorporating the astronaut theme of Ludens with features like sharp cutouts, carbon fiber details, and a striking color combination of white, gold, and grey.

    Design Philosophy Explained

    Shinkawa shared insights about the design, stating, “I wanted to create a gadget that feels like it belongs to Ludens, and I infused that into this PC design. Parts are inspired by Ludens and capture its essence.”

    At the heart of this collaboration is the ROG Flow Z13-KJP, a versatile 2-in-1 gaming tablet powered by AMD’s AI Max+ 935 ‘Strix Halo’. It comes with a 13.4-inch ROG Nebula display that boasts a 2.5K resolution and a 180 Hz refresh rate.

    The ROG Flow Z13-KJP features a detachable keyboard with extended sections for arm and wrist support, giving the tablet a bold, cohesive appearance. Additionally, it includes a sturdy white carrying case that resembles the cargo cases seen in Death Stranding.

    Gaming Mouse and Headset Features

    Another highlight is the ROG Keris II Origin-KJP mouse, which has an ergonomic shape, weighs 65g, and comes with a 42,000 DPI ROG AimPoint Pro sensor along with ROG Optical Micro Switches. Its eye-catching white design contrasts with the black click buttons and is complemented by a gold scroll wheel and accents, proudly displaying the phrase “For Ludens who Dare.”

    The headset from this lineup is the ROG Delta II-KJP, featuring 50mm titanium-plated drivers and an ultra-wideband microphone. This headset includes a gold Ludens logo on the ear cups, textured padding, and a shiny gold hinge design. The left ear cup is engraved with the message, “CAUTION: Comfort may lead to just one more gaming syndrome.”

    Lastly, the ROG Scabbard II XL-KJP mouse mat measures an impressive 900 x 400mm. It has a soft-touch cloth surface with a non-slip rubber base. The top of the mat features a Ludens-inspired design, intricately crafted by Shinkawa. Even though it is the simplest product in the collection, it effectively ties together the Kojima Productions and ASUS ROG partnership.

    Pricing and Availability

    As for the pricing, release date, and availability of these products, detailed information is yet to be disclosed. Reports indicate that the Kojima Productions X ASUS ROG collection is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026.

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  • Hideo Kojima Reveals 2026 Vision for Kojima Productions’ Next Phase

    Hideo Kojima Reveals 2026 Vision for Kojima Productions’ Next Phase

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hideo Kojima shared heartfelt New Year wishes with fans and announced a transition to the “Second Phase” of Kojima Productions leading into its Third Phase in 2026.

    2. This year, Kojima plans to focus on staying grounded and building strong foundations, moving away from extensive travel.

    3. He is working on a new horror game titled OD in collaboration with Xbox Game Studios, which will explore innovative uses of cloud technology.

    4. The development of Physint is in early stages, with pre-production underway, and it may be Kojima’s last stealth action espionage game, featuring notable actors.

    5. 2026 marks Kojima’s 40th anniversary in the gaming industry, and he expressed gratitude for the support of fans and the continued journey of Kojima Productions.

    Bidding goodbye to 2025 and welcoming 2026, the iconic video game creator and director known for his revolutionary games, Hideo Kojima, shared his new year greetings, reflected on the journey of Kojima Productions, and set a new goal for the studio.

    Heartfelt New Year Wishes

    In a touching message on X, Kojima reached out to his long-time fans saying, “Happy New Year.” He also noted, “In 2026, we will advance with the ‘Second Phase’ that leads into Kojima Productions’ Third Phase.”

    A Shift in Focus

    This year marks a shift for Kojima, who has been busy with various interviews, celebrating the release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and touring the world to strengthen his bonds with fans and the studio’s foundations.

    However, this year, Kojima has a plan to keep things more “real” or grounded. He mentioned in his post, “Unlike last year, when I traveled a lot; this year will focus on staying grounded and building strong foundations.”

    Game Development Ahead

    Kojima intends to channel his efforts into creating upcoming games for PlayStation and Xbox. Currently, he is working on a horror game titled OD, in partnership with Xbox Game Studios, which he describes as an experimental horror experience that aims to utilize cloud technology while exploring fear in new and unique ways.

    At this point, we have only seen a few teasers from Kojima Productions about OD, so its full potential remains to be seen.

    Progress on Physint

    Meanwhile, the development of Physint is still in its early stages. The game is moving into pre-production with Sony Interactive. Kojima is working on Physint’s concept as what might be his last stealth action espionage game, confirming that preparations for “casting actors, scanning, and performance capture shoots” are already in progress.

    At the celebration for Kojima Productions’ 10th anniversary, it was revealed that the game will feature Carhlee Fraser, Don Lee a.k.a. Ma Dong-seok (who is also involved in Gang of Dragon), and Minami Hamabe. Physint aims to merge cinema with gaming, and it’s part of Kojima’s larger vision for “total media domination.” We hope this works out for him, though he has moderated his expectations for Physint’s launch, mentioning it could take 5 to 6 years before the game is available.

    A Milestone Year

    This year is significant for Kojima, marking his 40th year in the gaming industry, which he began in 1986. He concluded with a grateful note, saying, “Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support and support for Kojima Productions. I am excited for another fantastic year.”

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  • Death Stranding 2 Dnsys Z1 Exoskeleton Unveiled with Giveaway

    Death Stranding 2 Dnsys Z1 Exoskeleton Unveiled with Giveaway

    Key Takeaways

    1. Product Launch: The Z1 Exoskeleton Pro is set to launch on December 2, 2025, in partnership with Kojima Productions.

    2. Connection to Death Stranding: The exoskeleton is linked to the upcoming game, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, enhancing the immersive experience of the game.

    3. Design Philosophy: Kojima Productions’ art director emphasized that the exoskeleton’s design reflects the game’s universe, aiming to blur the lines between fantasy and reality.

    4. Advanced Technology: The exoskeleton features AI technology with a dual-core 240 MHz processor and 900-watt DNA-1 motors, designed to reduce knee strain and enhance mobility.

    5. User Engagement: Interested users can register for updates on the product and participate in a giveaway for a chance to win the exoskeleton.

    After a partnership that spanned two years, Dnsys and Kojima Productions are excited to unveil the Z1 Exoskeleton Pro – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach limited-edition knee exoskeleton. This innovative product is set for launch on December 2, 2025, with more information on pricing and availability to be announced at that time.

    About the Z1 Exoskeleton Pro

    The Z1 Exoskeleton Pro represents a unique iteration of the Z1 knee exoskeleton, which first appeared on Kickstarter in August 2025. This knee exoskeleton is linked to Kojima’s newest entry in the celebrated Death Stranding series, which has been reviewed by Notebookcheck.

    Design Insights from Kojima Productions

    Art director Yoji Shinkawa from Kojima Productions stated:

    “We crafted this exoskeleton with the same dedication and accuracy as if it were intended for the Death Stranding universe. Every single detail has been enhanced to transform the game’s visionary future into reality, resulting in something that Sam Porter Bridges himself might don. Wearing it genuinely feels like stepping into the world of Death Stranding, where the lines between fantasy and reality finally blur.”

    Advanced Features and Capabilities

    This unique exoskeleton is equipped with AI technology powered by a dual-core 240 MHz processor, which operates 900-watt DNA-1 motors with each movement. It comes with interchangeable batteries that can last for up to four hours, alleviating knee strain and supplying additional energy with every step, thereby increasing the trekking distance significantly, as per Dnsys.

    Interested individuals can register on the product’s website to receive updates on the Z1 Exoskeleton Pro. For those eager to win one for free, it’s important to closely follow the giveaway instructions. While waiting, why not dive into Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which is available on Amazon?

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  • Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition Backbone One Controller Release

    Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition Backbone One Controller Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Backbone released a limited-edition Death Stranding 2 controller in collaboration with Kojima Productions.
    2. The controller features PlayStation buttons (triangle, circle, cross, square) and is compatible with Android and iPhones with USB-C ports.
    3. It has a unique design with a blue translucent faceplate and a yellow translucent clamp displaying logos.
    4. Only 1,350 units will be made, each with a collector’s tag and rugged collectible case.
    5. The controller is priced at $159.99 and will be available for purchase starting November 5, 2023.

    Last year, Backbone introduced a special Death Stranding edition of its Backbone One mobile controller. This limited-edition controller was created in collaboration with Kojima Productions to celebrate the video game’s launch on the Apple App Store. Now, over a year later, they have teamed up again with the game developer (and PlayStation) to bring out a unique edition based on the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.

    Features and Compatibility

    The Backbone One Death Stranding 2 Edition is modeled after the Backbone One PlayStation Edition, which can be found on Amazon for $99. Instead of the usual ABXY action buttons, this version features triangle, circle, cross, and square buttons. Like both the standard version and the Xbox Edition, this special controller works with Android smartphones and iPhones that have a USB-C port.

    Design Details

    This new controller showcases a blue translucent faceplate. It also comes with a blue aluminum D-pad, action buttons, shoulder buttons, and triggers. The back of the controller is blue too, but it isn’t translucent and has a different hue. Additionally, there’s a yellow translucent clamp that displays the logos of Backbone and Drawbridge on the front, while the game’s title is printed on the back.

    Limited Availability

    Only 1,350 units of the Backbone One Death Stranding 2 Edition will be made, and each one includes a commemorative collector’s tag and a numbered rugged collectible case. Apart from its unique colors and the included extras, this controller is functionally the same as the standard edition.

    The Backbone One Death Stranding 2 Edition works well with PlayStation Remote Play and various cloud gaming services like GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, and Apple Arcade. Priced at $159.99, it is somewhat expensive, especially since it doesn’t come with a free copy of the game like last year’s edition did. The controller will be available for purchase starting November 5 at 9 AM PDT from Backbone, the Kojima Productions Store, and Best Buy Drops.

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  • New AR Game from Metal Gear Creator & Pokémon Go Developers

    New AR Game from Metal Gear Creator & Pokémon Go Developers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hideo Kojima celebrates the 10th anniversary of Kojima Productions with a new AR game titled “A New Dawn” in partnership with Niantic.
    2. The game features players using AR glasses to explore real-world environments, suggesting potential gameplay without smartphones.
    3. The collaboration aims to merge Kojima’s storytelling with Niantic’s geospatial AI, likely incorporating location-based features.
    4. The game’s concept is likened to “Death Stranding in the real world,” potentially focusing on player connections and interactions.
    5. Specific gameplay details and a release date for “A New Dawn” have not yet been disclosed.

    Hideo Kojima, known for his work on the beloved Death Stranding and Metal Gear series, is seen as a major influence in the gaming world. After parting ways with Konami, the 60-year-old launched his own studio, Kojima Productions, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. To commemorate this milestone, Kojima has revealed a new augmented reality (AR) game in partnership with Niantic, the company behind Pokémon GO.

    A Glimpse of A New Dawn

    The initial trailer, which is currently titled A New Dawn, features players utilizing AR glasses to navigate real-world settings including urban areas, beaches, and deserts. Players can engage with virtual components that seem connected to tangible objects. Some scenes suggest that gameplay may occur without the need for a smartphone, and one character can be seen wearing glasses that look similar to AR devices like the Meta Ray-Ban Display. However, it’s still uncertain whether AR glasses will be officially supported in the game.

    Merging Storytelling with Technology

    According to the Niantic Spatial blog, this collaboration is framed as a technological partnership aimed at blending Kojima’s narrative style with Niantic’s geospatial AI, effectively bringing stories to life in real-world environments. While specific gameplay details of A New Dawn are still a mystery, Niantic’s participation indicates that location-based features—akin to those found in Pokémon GO or Ingress—are likely to be a fundamental aspect.

    Speculation on Gameplay and Interaction

    Insider Gaming refers to the concept as “Death Stranding in the real world.” If A New Dawn goes in this direction, it may expand beyond mere location exploration or completing tasks, instead focusing on fostering connections among players. The enigmatic second character shown at the end of the trailer adds to this theory. As of now, clear information regarding gameplay mechanics and a release date is still not available.

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  • Death Stranding Mosquito Anime Teaser Unveiled with Action Scenes

    Death Stranding Mosquito Anime Teaser Unveiled with Action Scenes

    Key Takeaways

    1. Kojima Productions announced “Death Stranding: Mosquito,” an anime that expands the Death Stranding universe.
    2. The anime is produced by ABC Animation Studio, directed by Hiroshi Miyamoto, and scripted by Aaron Guzikowski.
    3. The teaser trailer showcases new stories, barren landscapes, and an action sequence with a masked character.
    4. The show will explore “a different kind of strand” with new characters and storylines.
    5. Further information is expected in 2025, alongside updates on other projects from Kojima Productions.

    At the Beyond the Strand anniversary celebration on September 23, Kojima Productions caught fans off guard with the announcement of Death Stranding: Mosquito, an anime venture that broadens the bizarre universe first unveiled in 2019’s Death Stranding.

    Production Details

    This anime is being crafted by ABC Animation Studio, with Hiroshi Miyamoto (known for Blood Chronicle) sitting in the director’s chair, while Aaron Guzikowski (who worked on Prisoners and Raised by Wolves) is handling the script. Although information is limited, the teaser trailer hints at entirely new stories that go beyond the experiences of Sam Porter Bridges.

    Teaser Insights

    The short preview displayed barren landscapes, mysterious symbols, and an impressive long action sequence. It features a main character wearing a strange tar mask over his face, seemingly trying to return to the land of the living to save a dog resembling a BT. This leads to a finely choreographed hand-to-hand combat scene with an aggressive porter, demonstrating fluid animation and a level of cinematic energy that is uncommon in adaptations from games to anime. This intense fighting might surprise fans who’ve navigated Death Stranding and Death Stranding 2 as non-violent players.

    Future Expectations

    Kojima has suggested that the show will delve into “a different kind of strand,” indicating the introduction of new characters and innovative storylines. While a release date hasn’t been announced yet, more information is anticipated to emerge later in 2025. This announcement, along with news about the forthcoming Death Stranding film, Kojima’s new espionage thriller called Physint, and the thrilling first trailer of OD: Knock, which is co-created by Jordan Peele, made for an eventful evening celebrating Kojima Productions’ 10th anniversary.

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  • Kojima Productions Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Future Projects

    Kojima Productions Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Future Projects

    Key Takeaways

    1. Kojima Productions is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an event titled “Beyond the Strand” on September 23, 2025, in Tokyo.
    2. Hideo Kojima and special guests will discuss the future of the studio, with tickets available through a lottery and a live stream for international fans.
    3. The anniversary event may include teasers for new projects, including updates on the horror game OD developed with Xbox Game Studios.
    4. Kojima is working on a stealth action game called Physint, which is in the concept stage and might take five to six years to complete.
    5. Kojima reflected on his life experiences, especially during the pandemic, considering his age and the time he has left to create games.

    Kojima Productions is gearing up for its 10th birthday with a unique event titled “Beyond the Strand,” which is set for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Roppongi Hills TOHO Cinema in Tokyo. This event will happen just two days before the Tokyo Game Show 2025 kicks off.

    Event Details

    Scheduled from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM JST, Hideo Kojima will take center stage along with several special guests, offering fans a glimpse into the future of the studio. Tickets will soon be available through a lottery system, and for those outside of Japan, there will be a live stream of the event.

    Celebrating a Milestone

    Kojima is marking the 10th anniversary of Kojima Productions, which he founded in December 2015 after leaving Konami. He teamed up with Sony Interactive Entertainment to work on Death Stranding, released in 2019, followed by its sequel, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, which came out on June 26, 2025.

    As part of the anniversary celebrations, Kojima plans to tease new projects, possibly including updates on his ambitious horror game developed with Xbox Game Studios, known as OD.

    Future Projects

    Currently, while OD is in development, Physint, a stealth action espionage title believed to be a spiritual successor to the Metal Gear series, is still in the concept stage. Kojima has mentioned that he is working on this project by himself, and he estimates it might take five or six years to finish, leading many to speculate about a PS6 exclusive launch.

    Earlier this year, Kojima reflected on his life after turning 60 and dealing with a severe illness during the pandemic. He even prepared a will with game concepts for his team to use after he’s gone.

    Kojima shared his thoughts regarding aging, stating, “Turning 60 was less of a turning point in my life than my experiences during the pandemic. I fell seriously ill at that time, and also had an eye operation. Until then, I didn’t think I was old, you know? I just didn’t feel my age, and I assumed I would be able to create for as long as I live.”

    Reflections on Life

    He went on to describe his pandemic experience, saying, “But then I became sick, and I couldn’t create anything. And I saw lots of people around me passing away at the time. I was confronted with death. Of course, I recovered, but now I was thinking, ‘Wait, how many years do I have left to make a game or film?’ Perhaps I have ten years?”

    Kojima Productions will also be present at the Tokyo Game Show 2025 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, where the studio confirmed it will host a Death Stranding 5th Anniversary Exhibition and a pop-up event.

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  • Nicehck Teases Exciting Collaboration with Kojima Productions

    Nicehck Teases Exciting Collaboration with Kojima Productions

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nicehck and Kojima Productions are hinting at a collaboration, possibly related to Death Stranding 2 or Physint.
    2. Details about the collaboration are limited, as is common with Kojima’s announcements.
    3. Fans are encouraged to speculate and share their thoughts on the new audio product.
    4. Nicehck’s offerings on Amazon may provide clues about the potential features of the collaboration.
    5. The project is currently mysterious, but excitement is building around the partnership.

    Audio equipment brand Nicehck has hinted at a collaboration with Kojima Productions on X. Kojima Productions is a game studio famous for its hits like Death Stranding and its legendary founder Hideo Kojima, who is also the mind behind the Metal Gear series.

    Speculations on the Collaboration

    Is this a joint effort for Death Stranding 2 (available on Amazon), or could it be something related to Physint? The details are very few, as is typical with Kojima’s teasers, but fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on what this new audio product could be. Kojima Productions has simply retweeted the announcement on their X account without providing any additional information. Fans might want to check out the final trailer and preorder video for Death Stranding 2 for inspiration.

    Exploring Nicehck’s Offerings

    For those curious, exploring Nicehck’s products on Amazon could provide some hints about what the collaboration might involve. This could help fans understand the potential direction of the new audio product and what features it may have.

    In conclusion, the collaborative project remains shrouded in mystery, but with the involvement of both Nicehck and Kojima Productions, there is sure to be a lot of excitement surrounding it. Keep an eye on their social media for more updates!

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  • Kojima Won’t Play Metal Gear Solid Delta, Emphasizes Innovation

    Kojima Won’t Play Metal Gear Solid Delta, Emphasizes Innovation

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hideo Kojima expresses skepticism about current AAA gaming trends, noting a lack of innovation and repetitive themes in recent games.
    2. The gaming industry faces challenges like a talent drain to AI and a focus on safe investments, leading to predictable game production.
    3. Kojima prefers indie games that show originality over high-budget AAA titles, believing they are where true creativity happens.
    4. He critiques game developers for lacking realism in military games, highlighting his own research and training in the subject.
    5. Kojima emphasizes the importance of taking risks in game development to create memorable experiences, rather than just aiming for profitable hits.

    The famous creator of Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, Hideo Kojima, has shared his mixed feelings and insights about the present state of the AAA gaming world, which many believe is currently lacking in innovation.

    Skepticism About Trends

    In a recent chat with SSENSE, Kojima showed doubt when asked about today’s video game trends, saying, “Even the visuals and the game systems are pretty much the same.” He reflected on the recent Summer Games Fest 2025, which he thought was filled with repetitive themes of battling identical enemy types. While such games attract large audiences, he acknowledged, “a lot of people enjoy this, I understand,” hinting that the industry should break away from its comfort zone and focus on innovation instead of just chasing profits to create lasting masterpieces.

    Industry Challenges

    Kojima’s critique comes at a time when the gaming world is facing a talent drain to superior AI tools and publishers increasingly opting for safer investments for better returns. As a result, most AAA studios are playing it safe by continuously producing the same, predictable potential hits, prioritizing revenue over creativity, a trend he finds “kind of sad.”

    Personal Gaming Preferences

    Interestingly, Kojima’s feelings about the gaming industry also reflect his own gaming choices. In the interview, he mentioned that he seldom plays high-budget AAA games. Instead, he is more interested in creative indie games that showcase greater originality. He told SSENSE, “Indie games are where things are happening.”

    A Visit to a Game Studio

    While recounting a visit to a certain game studio for independent consultation on a stealth project, Kojima criticized their lack of depth. He remarked, “People who are making military games, they don’t know how to dismantle a gun or shoot a gun.” When probed about his knowledge of military equipment and tactics, Kojima elaborated with surprising detail, showing his dedication and research, “Yes, because I’ve been doing this training as well, and I learned so many ways to kill people as well.”

    Thoughts on Metal Gear Solid Delta

    When questioned about his interest in Konami’s upcoming remake of his iconic game, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, the former Konami director dismissed it with a laugh, saying, “No, I won’t.”

    Departure from Konami

    To clarify the situation, the different perspectives between Kojima and Konami that led to financial and creative disagreements resulted in Kojima’s exit. His last Metal Gear project, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, launched in September 2015, followed closely by his departure from Konami on December 16 of that same year.

    Establishing a New Studio

    Kojima then founded Kojima Productions, quickly attracting the interest of Sony. This support allowed him to pursue his ambitious and divisive project, resulting in the release of Death Stranding, followed by its sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which came out on June 26, 2025. Despite being a PlayStation 5 exclusive, the game has reportedly sold 1.4 million copies as of June 2025, boasting an impressive Metacritic score of 89/100.

    Creative Freedom and Vision

    While Kojima’s independent projects have allowed him to unleash his creativity, he initially feared that the game was “too likable.” This concern led to changes during development to ensure a more divisive experience. He believes that controversial games tend to last longer in the gaming world, stating, “I’m not trying to make something that’s going to sell millions and millions… I want to make something that’s going to be remembered in 20 years.”

    Ambitions Beyond Earth

    Currently, Kojima’s aspirations go beyond Earth. During the Sydney Film Festival in June 2025, he revealed his lifelong dream of making a game set in space, but emphasized the need for preparation: “I want to train properly, learn how to do the docking, go to the International Space Station, and stay there for a few months.”

    A Call for Risk-Taking

    Kojima’s ambitions reach far beyond the current goals of the gaming industry, which seems to be caught in a cycle of repetition. He believes that if developers truly want to create great games, they should embrace taking significant risks to reshape the gaming landscape.

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