Hideo Kojima, the renowned video game creator, has once again surprised the gaming community with his bold ideas on how real-time mechanics can transform the gaming experience. In a recent episode of his podcast KOJI10, Kojima reflected on a series of innovative proposals that could take immersion to a new level, especially in his upcoming project, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.
A protagonist who can’t stop forgetting what he knows
Among the discarded proposals is a mechanic that would allow the protagonist Sam’s beard to grow over time, forcing the player to interact regularly to maintain it. However, the most striking idea he shared was the conceptualization of a game of forgetfulness, where the player’s absence would have drastic narrative consequences, resulting in the loss of essential skills for the protagonist if not played for an extended period. This is reminiscent of previous mechanics in his work, such as in Metal Gear Solid 3, where food could spoil over time.
Additionally, Kojima envisioned a game in which the character would age in real time, with physical and mental abilities that would be affected throughout their life, and suggested another concept in which players would have to wait for products like wine or cheese to mature in real time. This last idea would promote a long-term gaming experience, encouraging players to return regularly.
Kojima’s visionary approach to game experience design continues to challenge conventional norms, and many fans are eager to see how these ideas will materialize in his future projects.
