At Cannes this year, 2025, during film screenings and formal red carpet events, Hideo Kojima, a figure from the video game world, captured significant attention. As a visionary in interactive media, the creator of Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, Kojima took to the Cannes stage to declare that video games are no longer considered a marginal activity but have evolved into a complete art form. Alongside German director Fatih Akin, Kojima also noted that unlike cinema, narrative development in video games hinges on player freedom, which complicates the crafting of fluid and immersive stories. Kojima highlighted the importance of new technologies, especially artificial intelligence, viewing them as tools to be mastered rather than feared. He believes that the future of storytelling lies in collaboration between creators and players, with substantial progress yet to be achieved.
“Being a character in a Kojima game is better than the Palme d’Or this year at Cannes.”
Before a packed audience (and visibly impressed), Hideo Kojima presented some glimpses of Death Stranding 2, his upcoming project. By his side was Fatih Akin, the acclaimed German filmmaker known for “Head-On,” “The Edge of Heaven,” and “The Golden Glove.” Akin, who seemed both an enthusiastic fan and an inspired collaborator, will portray a character named Dolman. This living, talkative accessory is attached (literally) to the hero’s back, Sam Porter Bridges. As Kojima joked, “At first, Sam sticks it to his buttocks, which greatly displeases Dolman.” However, Dolman serves more than just comedic effect: he speaks, comments, and alerts. In Sam’s hideout, he discusses from a shelf while the hero rests, and on the field, he can be deployed as a living radar. Kojima already sees him as a cult character. The idea is quintessentially Kojima-esque: strange, funny, and likely touching.
In the universe of video games, traveling companions hold a crucial role in both narrative development and player immersion. Dolman, the distinctive character from Death Stranding, clearly resonates with Mimir, the talking head featured in God of War. Both characters enhance their respective games through their unique presence, each contributing differently — one representing advanced technological integration, the other embodying ancient storytelling traditions. This comparison underscores the significance of companions in video games for enriching narrative depth and storytelling quality.
Today, regarding video game storytelling, Fatih Akin describes it as “insufficient.” He does not hide his admiration for Hideo Kojima. “We all come to Cannes to dream of the Palme d’Or. But playing a character in a Kojima game… it’s even better,” he says. This comment is met with big laughs and applause. Once again, Hideo Kojima expresses the desire to bring video games closer to cinema, aiming for the best blend of interactive art and cinematic narration. Kojima then provides an insightful (and quite lucid) analysis of the limitations of storytelling in video games. “Everyone says I’m a storyteller. But I don’t think I’ve succeeded yet,” he admits. Why? Because video games are inherently interactive. Unlike cinema, where the author controls the timing, players decide the pace, choices, and detours. Kojima compares this to a highway: “The player can change lanes, take an exit, or even drive in reverse.” He also mentions a humorous example: “If I make a game where the player has to come on stage at Cannes, they might never get there. Or if they do, it’ll be too late. Do I implement a Game Over? Or a cinematic that forces them to come? This dilemma is at the heart of the narrative problem in video games.”
At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, renowned video game creator Hideo Kojima, known for Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, acknowledged that video games are now recognized as a complete art form, not merely a marginal pastime. He emphasized the unique narrative challenges in gaming compared to cinema, where player freedom complicates storytelling but also enriches it through immersion. Kojima highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence and collaborative creation with players as key elements for future advancements in storytelling.Kojima presented a sneak peek of Death Stranding 2 alongside German director Fatih Akin, who will portray Dolman, a living accessory attached to the player’s back in the game. Dolman serves both comic relief and practical utility as a commentator, radar, and companion, similar to Mimir from God of War. Akin expressed his admiration for Kojima’s innovative approach to storytelling, stating that being part of a Kojima game surpasses winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes.Kojima acknowledged the current limitations in video game narratives due to their interactive nature. Unlike films, where authors control pacing and plot, gamers make choices influencing the story’s progression, presenting a unique challenge for creators. He likened this to driving on a highway with multiple possible routes, illustrating how developers must balance player agency with coherent storytelling. Kojima’s analysis underscores the ongoing quest to blend cinematic narration with interactive art in video games.Kojima admits that for now, storytelling in games remains semi-guided, often tied to cutscenes that “recalibrate” the player’s experience. He dreams of truly free storytelling but acknowledges that technology and perhaps creators’ thinking are not yet ready for such an evolution. “It’s not satisfactory yet,” he stated. “I want the next generation to invent what I currently cannot.” Perhaps with the help of artificial intelligence?
“AI is not an enemy but a valuable aid.” This topic was discussed during a panel at Cannes Film Festival, where two artists expressed their openness towards utilizing this new technology. “AI is similar to cars when they first appeared; everyone was afraid. Today, it’s just an efficient tool,” one of them stated. “Creators must use AI to enhance creativity rather than outsourcing everything.” This message was directed specifically at those who view artificial intelligence as a threat to art.Before concluding his presentation, Hideo Kojima made an emotional appeal: “I know there are people who grew up with video games and are now writers, musicians, filmmakers. I ask them to help me evolve the medium. To invent the interactive narrative of the future.” Kojima recognizes that tomorrow’s revolution cannot occur without the support of a new generation raised on video games and equipped with these new tools like AI. He believes that video games represent the grand art form of tomorrow, still in its infancy but brimming with potential, though they need to continue evolving.It remains to be seen what innovations Hideo Kojima will incorporate into his upcoming game, Death Stranding 2, which is set for release on June 26th exclusively on PS5.
