After a Year of Traveling, Hideo Kojima Vows for a More Focused 2026 at His Studio

by Sophie Laurent January 1, 2026

written by Sophie Laurent January 1, 2026

Key Takeaways

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Kojima Productions is entering its Second Phase, focusing on establishing foundations for future projects, including the action-espionage game PHYSINT and horror game OD.
An anime series called DEATH STRANDING ISOLATION set within the world of Death Stranding is in production, with Kojima serving as executive producer.
A live-action Death Stranding film is also being developed by Kojima Productions.
2026 marks Hideo Kojimas 40th anniversary in the gaming industry, and more details on his projects and events will be revealed later in the year.

Kojima Productions Announces Second Phase with PHYSINT, OD, Anime Series, and Live-Action Film in 2026

In a New Year’s message posted on December 31, 2025, Hideo Kojima outlined Kojima Productions’ plans for 2026, a period he calls the “Second Phase,” leading into the studio’s “Third Phase.” He described this phase as a year for establishing solid foundations for future projects, in contrast to 2025, which was marked by extensive international travel. Kojima Productions is currently developing the action-espionage game PHYSINT and the horror game OD, with preparations for PHYSINT including actor selection, motion capture scanning, and filming. Kojima also announced DEATH STRANDING ISOLATION, an anime series set within the world of Death Stranding. Kojima will serve as executive producer, with Takayuki Sano as series producer. EH production is handling the animation, and Ilya Kuvshinov is creating the unique character designs. The series will follow a different narrative than the game. Kojima Productions is also working on a live-action Death Stranding film. In other Death Stranding-related news, the PC version of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach has been rated by the ESRB.

Kojima’s 40th Anniversary in Gaming Industry: Details on Projects and Events in 2026 to Follow

Kojima concluded by noting that 2026 marks his 40th anniversary in the gaming industry, since starting his game creation journey in 1986. He promised more details on Kojima Productions’ various projects and events later in the year. [End of Post]

In Case You Missed It

As Kojima wraps up another action-packed year, Ahmed Hassan takes us on a journey through his 2025 in ‘Hideo Kojima Reflects on 2025: A Truly Busy Year’, published on December 31st. From the intense production of DS2 to a global promotional tour, Hassan paints a vivid picture of Kojima’s relentless pace and numerous achievements Hideo Kojima Reflects on 2025: ‘A Truly Busy Year’. Meanwhile, in our ongoing exploration of the gaming landscape, Jonathan Dubinski shares his top picks from last year in ‘2025 Games – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a Connection Beyond the Game’, published on January 1st. Dubinski praises DS2 for its confident storytelling and thought-provoking themes that embrace ambiguity while maintaining purpose 2025 Games – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a Connection Beyond the Game. Speaking of video games that bring back cherished memories, Carlos Mendoza’s ‘2025 Games – Donkey Kong Bananza: Pure Joy in Video Game Form’, published just this January 1st, is a nostalgic dive into Bruno Galvão’s favorite games from last year, with special emphasis on the pure joy of Donkey Kong Bananza 2025 Games – Donkey Kong Bananza: Pure Joy in Video Game Form.