Hideo Kojima Elucidates OD and Physint

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Hideo Kojima’s Experimental Odyssey into Reinventing Horror and Social Commentary

Hideo Kojima intends for OD to reinvent the horror genre and potentially transcend traditional video game formats. In an interview with Ananweb, Kojima stated that OD is so experimental that he is unsure how it will coalesce into a final product. He added that the released trailer is an “enigma” containing clues that hint at the game’s concept without revealing the full picture. Kojima’s stated goal is to break with games-as-a-service conventions, suggesting that OD’s functionality may defy existing structures. The production also involves filmmaker Jordan Peele, known for using horror as a vehicle for social commentary. Kojima’s statement at The Game Awards 2023—that people will either love it or hate it—suggests that the game’s format and/or content will likely polarize opinions. In 2023, approximately 20 developers from Eidos Montreal spent a year working on OD, then known internally as P21. The collaboration ended when Kojima Productions required those involved to relocate to Japan and sever ties with Eidos, dedicating themselves fully to the project. This directive underscores the level of secrecy, control, and creative direction Kojima demands. It also indicates that OD underwent international collaboration before becoming an entirely internal project aligned with Kojima’s original vision.

Hideo Kojima Unveils Stealth-Action Espionage Game, PHYSINT – Revolutionizing Film & Gaming Fusion

PHYSINT, officially announced in 2024, represents a departure from the experimental nature of OD. In a separate Ananweb interview, Kojima revealed that PHYSINT is an espionage game that aims to revolutionize the fusion of film and gaming. Kojima intends to collaborate with filmmakers, integrating not only actors but also film crew members into the production. He also suggested that creating PHYSINT might be simpler than developing Death Stranding, implying less complex stealth mechanics. Kojima confirmed his collaboration with PlayStation Studios to create PHYSINT, which he envisions as a stealth-action espionage game that will incorporate novel twists. Although no trailer has been released, Kojima has stated that he would create a stealth game “on autopilot,” as the genre is intrinsic to his style. However, he clarified that PHYSINT is not a retread of familiar formulas or a direct successor to Metal Gear. Instead, the focus is on blurring the lines between cinema and video games by integrating film industry professionals into the production.

This approach suggests Kojima will integrate more complex performance capture, elaborate scene direction, and film production processes into the game’s development. Kojima acknowledged that the themes he is planning for PHYSINT risk becoming reality before the game is finished, given how rapidly the world is changing (Level Up News). With an estimated development time of five to six years, potentially leading to a release during the next console generation around the early 2030s, this indicates a long, expensive project subject to numerous external variables. Kojima may provide updates on PHYSINT’s progress at The Game Awards on December 11.

In Case You Missed It

Midway through our exploration of gaming’s shifting landscapes, we’d like to draw your attention to Sophie Laurent’s recent pieces. First up is “Hi-Fi Rush to be Updated for Rights Transition” (published on November 16th), where she delves into Krafton’s acquisition of Hi-Fi Rush’s rights from Microsoft and Bethesda, detailing upcoming updates that reflect this change in ownership. These updates, rolling out across all platforms starting December 4th, aim to maintain progress and achievements while transitioning digital stores’ branding to Krafton and Tango Gameworks Hi-Fi Rush to be Updated for Rights Transition. In other news, Laurent explores the latest developments at Crystal Dynamics with “Layoffs at Tomb Raider Producer”, published on the same day. Here, she investigates the company’s strategic restructuring following layoffs and how this might shape the future of the iconic Tomb Raider franchise Layoffs at Tomb Raider Producer. After indulging in today’s gaming escapades, mark your calendars for next week’s Xbox releases! Sophie Laurent from Players For Life has the scoop on two contrasting yet thrilling games. ‘SpongeBob: Titan of the Tides’, arriving November 18th, offers a heartwarming adventure filled with nostalgia as Bikini Bottom’s finest unite to restore order. While on November 21st, ‘Terrifier: The Arcade Game’ brings retro horror fun, letting you embody Art the Clown in a film shoot-like environment Games from Terrifier Horror Film and SpongeBob Coming to Xbox Next Week.