When it comes to the creative labyrinth that is Hideo Kojima’s mind, it still stands to be an extremely bespoke experience with each game that releases. This applies to his most recent release, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. “This sequel refines and expands upon Kojima’s signature style and vision, offering a deeply woven story that is more accessible than its predecessor whilst boasting seamlessly integrated action gameplay that the first game lacked,” our 9.5/10 review for the game reads.
Looking ahead from Kojima Productions, it was confirmed that he has partnered with PlayStation Studios on a new espionage experience – Physint. However, Kojima has also signed a separate IP with XBOX Game Studios. Officially unveiled in 2023 as OD, it is described as an ambitious effort that no publisher would entertain. In one interview, Kojima said that XBOX leadership were the only firm that understood his vision despite how demanding it would be.
Recently, Kojima spoke to Entertainment Weekly revealing more about OD. Kojima disclosed that production has commenced on the project for its leading stars. He also told that the sentiment that previous XBOX boss Phil Spencer shared towards backing OD is also shared with new XBOX head Asha Sharma.
I wanted to do something new. I wanted to do something different. I had this OD concept since I was working on DS1 [Death Stranding] and I was working on it just by myself. I can’t reveal much detail, but it’s something that no one has ever seen before. A new game system. I pitched to many people, to the big companies, and also to the up-and-coming companies. All of them said the same thing. They said that I’m crazy, and that they really don’t understand the concept — that they will not be able to do it.
Sharma also spoke on OD briefly, stating that the platform has “not reached the boundary of games.” She also expands further explaining that Microsoft “need to make sure our platform is sufficiently open so more creators and developers can come on board and be successful, because the next Kojima is yet to be known.”
Kojima in the interview also injected that a new system created exclusively for OD will include a mechanic that focuses on fear that affects how your experience will turn out. “I wanted to go beyond the limit of the ‘scariness’ that other games had reached. It’s a single-player game, and I wanted to make it as scary as possible.
“But for those that might stop playing when it gets too scary, I have thought of a system that will allow them to keep going. I can’t say much more, because it’ll give too much of a hint on the system, and I could get in trouble for saying too much!” It was also touched upon that while production has begun, a scan of the late Udo Kier was made before principal photography began. An update on Kier’s involvement in the production was not provided. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you excited for Hideo Kojima’s OD?
Source: Entertainment Weekly
