Hideo Kojima Leaves USB Stick of Ideas for Staff, Calls It His 'Will'

Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind numerous groundbreaking video games, has recently shared some intriguing insights into his creative process and future plans. In a candid interview with Edge magazine, as reported by VGC, Kojima revealed that he has compiled a USB stick filled with game ideas, which he refers to as a "kind of like a will," to ensure the continuity of Kojima Productions after his passing.

Kojima's perspective on life and creativity shifted significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. After turning 60 and experiencing serious illness along with an eye operation, he confronted his mortality, which led him to question how many more years he had left to create. "Perhaps I have 10 years?" he pondered, prompting a reevaluation of his approach to work and legacy.

Kojima has been thinking about what happens once he's gone. Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Pictures.

This introspection has not only spurred Kojima to embark on new projects but also to safeguard the future of his studio. By entrusting his assistant with the USB stick, he hopes to inspire continued innovation at Kojima Productions beyond his tenure. "I don’t want them to just manage our existing IP," he emphasized, highlighting his desire for the studio to evolve and explore new creative avenues.

In a recent episode of his Japanese radio podcast KOJI10, Kojima delved into how real-life time can be integrated into video game mechanics. He shared an idea initially considered for Death Stranding 2, where the protagonist Sam's beard would grow over time, requiring players to shave it to maintain his appearance. Although this concept was scrapped due to concerns about the star Norman Reedus's image, Kojima remains open to incorporating such features in future projects.

Kojima also unveiled three unique game concepts centered around the passage of time:

1. Game of Life: Players start as children and age into adulthood and old age within the game. As characters age, their physical abilities decline, but their knowledge and experience increase, affecting gameplay strategy.

2. Maturation Game: Players cultivate products like wine or cheese, requiring long-term engagement to see results, potentially functioning as a background or idle game.

3. Forgetting Game: In this concept, players must play frequently to prevent the main character from forgetting crucial skills and information. Prolonged breaks lead to the character becoming immobile, requiring intense dedication from the player.

These ideas showcase Kojima's innovative approach to game design, blending real-world elements with interactive experiences.

Kojima Productions is currently juggling multiple high-profile projects. Alongside Death Stranding 2, Kojima is collaborating with A24 on a live-action Death Stranding film and developing OD for Xbox Game Studios, as well as a video game and movie hybrid, Physint, for Sony. However, the ongoing video game actors strike has impacted the production timelines for OD and Physint, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further updates.

Kojima's forward-thinking and meticulous planning not only highlight his dedication to his craft but also ensure that his legacy will continue to influence the gaming world long after he's gone.