Hideo Kojima, known for creating iconic sagas like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, has shared his concerns about the current direction of the video game industry. In a recent interview with SSense, the Japanese creator expressed his disappointment at the trend of major studios opting for safe formulas and similar games, noting that many titles presented at events like the Summer Game Fest 2025 seem to revolve around repetitive concepts, such as fighting alien monsters or medieval aesthetics.
Feels responsible for making original games
Kojima argues that it is vital for the industry to take risks and offer truly innovative proposals to avoid falling into monotony. With the experience gained throughout his career, he now feels a greater responsibility towards his team and his legacy, influencing his work on Death Stranding 2, which has performed well commercially and reinforces his conviction that the public is willing to invest in different titles.
The Japanese creator has also expressed skepticism regarding the remakes of his most recognized works, revealing that he has no interest in playing them. This stance reflects his emotional disconnection from projects that he does not consider representative of his creative vision. Kojima compared his current approach at Kojima Productions with his time at Konami, where he sought a balance between creativity and business.
Despite his concerns about the state of the industry, Kojima is focusing on new projects, including OD, a horror game in collaboration with Xbox, and Phsynt, a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid exclusive to PlayStation, which is expected to launch around 2030. Additionally, the premiere of an anime series and a Death Stranding movie is anticipated for 2027. In his words, the true value of a game is measured years after its release, highlighting his perspective on evolution and legacy in the world of video games.