Hideo Kojima Leaves USB Stick of Ideas for Staff, 'Like a Will'

Hideo Kojima, the visionary game designer behind titles like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, has recently shared some intriguing insights into his creative process and future plans. In a candid discussion with Edge magazine, as reported by VGC, Kojima revealed a thoughtful and somewhat somber contemplation of his mortality, influenced by his experiences during the global pandemic.

Kojima disclosed that reaching the age of 60 felt less impactful than the challenges he faced during the health crisis. A serious illness and an eye operation during this period forced him to confront the realities of aging and death, leading him to question how many more years he has to continue his creative endeavors. "Perhaps I have 10 years?" he pondered.

This introspection led Kojima to not only embark on new projects but also to prepare for the future of Kojima Productions after his passing. He mentioned creating a USB stick filled with his game ideas, which he handed to his personal assistant as a kind of "will." This move is intended to ensure that his studio can continue to innovate and create new games even after he is gone.

Kojima has been thinking about what happens once he's gone. Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Pictures.

In a recent episode of his Japanese radio podcast KOJI10, Kojima discussed how the passage of time in real life could be integrated into video game mechanics. He shared an idea he had considered for Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, where the protagonist Sam's beard would grow over time, requiring players to shave it to maintain his appearance. Although this feature was ultimately scrapped due to concerns about the character's star, Norman Reedus, looking "uncool," Kojima expressed interest in exploring similar mechanics in future projects.

Kojima also revealed three unique game concepts centered around the theme of time. The first is a game that simulates the life cycle from birth to old age, where the player's character ages and their physical abilities change accordingly. This aging process would influence gameplay strategy, with the character gaining knowledge and experience as they grow older, but becoming physically weaker. Despite his doubts about its commercial viability, the concept received enthusiastic feedback from his podcast co-hosts.

Another concept involves a game where players cultivate something that matures over time, such as wine or cheese, suggesting a long-term, idle-style gameplay experience.

Lastly, Kojima proposed a "forgetting game" where the protagonist gradually loses important information and abilities if the player takes breaks from playing. This game would require players to maintain a consistent play schedule to prevent the character from forgetting crucial skills, like how to use a gun or their job responsibilities, leading to an eventual inability to progress if neglected.

Amidst these creative explorations, Kojima remains incredibly active. Alongside the development of Death Stranding 2, he is working on a live-action film adaptation of Death Stranding with A24, a new title called OD for Xbox Game Studios, and a hybrid video game and movie project, Physint, for Sony. However, the ongoing video game actors strike has delayed the release of OD and Physint, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further updates.

Kojima's reflections and innovative ideas continue to push the boundaries of what video games can be, ensuring that his legacy will endure through the future projects of Kojima Productions.