Summary
Kojima Productionsreleased a brand-new HideoTube episode, wherein the eponymous developer explains that his relationship with Guillermo del Toro “saved” his life. The Kojima-helmed studio is working on a minimum of three projects currently:Death Stranding 2: On the Beach,O.D., and a new espionage game codenamedPhysint. Kojima touches on these three newKojima Productionsprojects, in addition to his creative process and personal life, in the HideoTube episode.
Hideo Kojima and filmmaker Guillermo del Toro have had a working relationship since the days ofP.T.and the swiftly canceledSilent Hills. Though the pair never got to realize their disturbing horror title, they would go on to work together inDeath Stranding, with del Toro lending his likeness to the character of Deadman. It’s unclear whether del Toro will be involved inDeath Stranding 2, but it would appear that the two creators maintained a friendship following the release of the first game.
That friendship may have been instrumental in the future of Kojima’s career. When speaking about hisupcomingMetal Gear Solidcompetitorin the most recent HideoTube episode, Kojima touches on a difficult period of his life. He says that he fell ill in 2020, to the point where he considered leaving game development altogether, possibly to pursue filmmaking. At the same time, Kojima says he was conflicted, stating that leaving Kojima Productions would cause it to collapse. When he spoke to del Toro about this, the director told him “‘Hideo, what you’re making is already a movie. Keep going as you are.’” Kojima credits these words with saving him, encouraging him to continue his various projects.
Guillermo del Toro Helped Kojima Stick with Game Development
Kojima’s love for film is evident not only in his frequentcollaborations with directors like George Miller, del Toro, and Nicholas Winding Refn, but in his overall approach to cinematic storytelling in games. Indeed, many fans have wondered why Kojima hasn’t made his own movie yet, as he is clearly inspired by the medium. At the same time, Kojima is vocal about his goals to merge film and gaming, describing bothPhysintandO.D.as a blend of both mediums. In light of this, it makes sense that del Toro’s encouraging comments would galvanize him.
It doesn’t look like Kojima is looking to get out of game development any time soon. Thestrange and experimentalDeath Stranding 2, along withO.D.andPhysint, are sure to keep Kojima Productions busy for years to come. Kojima fans may have Guillermo del Toro to thank for this.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam—with companions by his side—sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.
