Hideo Kojima Announces He Will “Move To The Next Level Of Experimentation With A Radical Project”
Ryan Pearson
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Death Stranding creator Hideo Kojima revealed he is starting work on his next project “in earnest;” featuring “the next level of experimentation.”
Source: Death Stranding (2019), Kojima Productions
Speaking on Twitter on January 2nd, Kojima stated “This year, I’m going to start a new work in earnest, and move to the next level of experimentation with a radical project.”
He also discussed other projects writing, “I’m also hoping to get the video team going. And I may start doing something like a radio project?”
Source: Hideo Kojima English Twitter
The Kojima Productions founder and Metal Gear Solid creator’s claims of experimentation are sure to have some truth to them. Prior Metal Gear Solid games featured switching which port your controller was plugged into to avoid being controlled by psychics, waiting for bosses to die of old age, and being able to weaponize peeing in Death Stranding.
Kojima hinted at his next project in December 2019, tweeting that he was “Working on the next concept while no one is in the office.” Due to past cryptic trailers and clues- such as Metal Gear Solid V originally being teased as a non-Metal Gear game under “Moby Dick Studio” and lead “Joakim Mogren”- fans were quick to analyze the photo of his desk.
Source: Hideo Kojima English Twitter
In a video interview with Wired in March 2020, Norman Reedus stated he was “in talks to do other stuff” with Hideo Kojima.
Fans would have a break in June 2020, as Kojima tweeted a series of obscured concept art while working with art director Yoji Shinkawa [1, 2, 3].
Source: Hideo Kojima English Twitter
Twitter user “French Standing” and others noticed that one of the ships featured the word “BRIDGES” on the side- the same company in Death Stranding attempting to rejoin the US through delivery of essential supplies.
Source: French Stranding, Andrew Jaffe, Ross Weaver
There is always a chance this was older concept art of Death Stranding however, though the accompanying tweets would suggest something new. Combined with Reedus’ comments, some had speculated this would be concept art for Death Stranding 2, or another project in the same universe.
While Uzumaki author Junji Ito initially stated in July 2020 that he had “been in conversation [with Kojima] that he might have a horror-based game that he might be doing;” it was later revealed that it was a casual offer. “In reality, it was a remark made at a party where he said, ‘If there is an opportunity, I may ask for your help.'” Ito subsequently apologized for giving fans “false hope.”
Source: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001), Konami
While fans suspected Blue Box Game Studio’s Abandoned was Kojima’s next project- with their multiple denials falling on some deaf ears thanks to the Moby Dick situation- VentureBeat claimed in April 2021 that Kojima was in talks with Microsoft for his next title (” according to a source familiar with the matter”); a far cry from the PlayStation exclusive Abandoned.
While the deal had not been confirmed to be closed, VentureBeat claimed it was part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to acquire Japanese talent, and wrest PlayStation’s share of the Japanese market amid the challenges they are facing.
Source: Metal Gear Solid V: The Definitive Experience (2016), Konami
In July 2021, VentureBeat reported that- again “according to sources familiar with the matter”- that Kojima and Microsoft had agreed to work out the details for a publishing agreement.
VentureBeat also claimed Portal and Left 4 Dead developer Kim Swift, hired to oversee partnerships for cloud-based games, had also been brought aboard for “assisting in making Kojima’s cloud game a reality.”
Source: Death Stranding (2019), Kojima Productions
Kojima Productions launched a film, TV, and music division in November 2022.
“Finding new ways to entertain, engage and offer value to our fans is essential in a fast-moving, ever changing storytelling world,” Kojima Productions’ Business Development Manager Yoshiko Fukuda stated.
“Our new division will take the studio into even more areas that present our creative narratives beyond videogames and to open up ways for our fans to communicate and immerse themselves in these spaces.”
Source: Death Stranding
How far will Kojima push video games? Will his other efforts in video and radio factor into it? Let us know what you think on social media and in the comments below!
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