Hideo Kojima Leaves USB Stick of Ideas for Staff, Similar to a Will

In a fascinating insight into the mind of renowned game developer Hideo Kojima, he has recently shared a number of intriguing and discarded game concepts, including an innovative idea for a 'Forgetting Game.' This game would challenge players to play continuously, as the protagonist would gradually lose important skills and memories with breaks in gameplay. Additionally, Kojima has revealed a more personal and poignant plan: a USB stick filled with game ideas, which he has entrusted to his staff as a kind of will, to ensure the future of Kojima Productions after his passing.

Kojima's reflections on his mortality were sparked by his experiences during the global health crisis, where he faced serious illness and underwent an eye operation. These events prompted a significant shift in his perspective. "Turning 60 was less of a turning point in my life than my experiences during the pandemic," he confessed to Edge magazine. The realization of his own vulnerability led him to question how much time he has left to create. "Perhaps I have 10 years?" he pondered, highlighting a newfound urgency to leave a lasting legacy.

Kojima has been thinking about what happens once he's gone. Photo by John Phillips/Gett

This introspection not only fueled a burst of new projects but also the creation of the USB stick, which Kojima hopes will guide his studio beyond his tenure. "I gave a USB stick with all my ideas on it to my personal assistant, kind of like a will," he stated. His primary concern is the future of Kojima Productions, emphasizing that he does not want the studio to merely manage existing intellectual properties but to continue innovating.

Kojima's creative mind continues to explore the impact of real-time progression in video games. In a recent episode of his Japanese radio podcast KOJI10, he discussed several time-related mechanics he has considered. One such concept, initially intended for Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, involved the protagonist Sam's beard growing over time, requiring players to shave it to keep him looking sharp. However, this idea was scrapped due to concerns about the actor Norman Reedus's image. Kojima remains open to incorporating similar mechanics in future projects.

He also shared three game ideas centered around the passage of time. The first is a game that simulates the human life cycle, where the player ages from a child to an elderly person, with their abilities and strategies evolving accordingly. "But no-one would buy it!" Kojima humorously remarked, although his co-hosts showed enthusiasm for such a concept.

Another idea involves a game where players nurture something that matures over time, like wine or cheese, suggesting a potential idle game format. Lastly, the aforementioned 'Forgetting Game' would require constant engagement to prevent the protagonist from losing essential skills and knowledge.

Amidst these creative explorations, Kojima Productions is bustling with activity. Alongside Death Stranding 2, Kojima is collaborating on a live-action film adaptation of Death Stranding with A24, known for critically acclaimed films. He's also developing OD for Xbox Game Studios and a video game and movie hybrid, Physint, for Sony. However, the ongoing video game actors strike has delayed OD and Physint, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further updates.

Kojima's reflections on time, mortality, and legacy not only provide a glimpse into his creative process but also underscore his commitment to ensuring the continued innovation and success of Kojima Productions long after he's gone.