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

Hot on the heels of revealing a number of discarded video game ideas, including an innovative 'Forgetting Game' where the main character gradually loses important information and abilities if the player takes too long a break, Hideo Kojima has shared a poignant update with Edge magazine. He disclosed that he has compiled his future game concepts onto a USB stick, which he has given to his personal assistant as a kind of digital will. This move is intended to ensure the continuity of Kojima Productions after his passing.

Kojima's perspective shifted dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he faced serious illness and underwent an eye operation. These experiences, coupled with reaching the age of 60, led him to contemplate his mortality and the finite nature of his creative career. "Turning 60 was less of a turning point in my life than my experiences during the pandemic," he stated. The realization that he might only have a decade left to create games or films spurred him into action, resulting in the creation of the USB stick filled with ideas.

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 can be integrated into video game mechanics. He shared an idea initially considered 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 from looking unkempt. However, this concept was scrapped due to concerns about the appearance of actor Norman Reedus. Kojima expressed interest in possibly revisiting this idea in future projects.

Kojima also elaborated on three game concepts that revolve around the passage of time. The first is a life simulation game where the player ages from childhood to old age, impacting gameplay as physical abilities wane but knowledge and experience grow. The second concept involves a game where players nurture something that matures over time, such as wine or cheese, suggesting a slow-paced, background gameplay style. The third, the 'Forgetting Game,' would require players to play frequently to prevent the main character from losing essential skills and memories, humorously suggesting that players might need to take time off work or school to keep up.

Amidst these creative endeavors, Kojima and his studio, Kojima Productions, are juggling multiple high-profile projects. In addition to Death Stranding 2, they are working on a live-action film adaptation of Death Stranding with A24, the studio behind acclaimed films like Everything Everywhere All At Once. Furthermore, Kojima is collaborating with Xbox Game Studios on OD and developing Physint, a video game and movie hybrid, for Sony. However, ongoing strikes by video game actors have delayed the release of OD and Physint, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further updates.

Kojima's forward-thinking approach not only highlights his dedication to his craft but also his concern for the future of his studio, ensuring that his legacy and innovative spirit continue to inspire long after he is gone.