Summary
Hideo Kojimaapparently has a plan for Kojima Productions and its games in the event that he passes away. The legendary mind behind games likeDeath Stranding 2andMetal Gear Solidhas apparently been giving his own mortality some thought, and it’s led to this particular contingency plan.
Despite now being 61 years old, Hideo Kojima isn’t showing any significant signs of slowing down, with multiple projects he’s leading or co-developing currently in the pipeline. Many fans are eagerly awaitingDeath Stranding 2, as well as themysteriousODhorror game project, and stealth action gamePhysint. While Kojima intends to keep making games, he’s also given some thought to what will happen when his journey comes to an end.
In a conversation with Edge Magazine (viaVideoGamesChronicle), Kojima discussed his mortality and what he has done to ensure the future of his ideas. He explained that he created a USB drive with files on it containing the ideas he has thought up for future games, and he gave it to his personal assistant. He says that it’s kind of like a will for him, and that he thought that “perhaps they could continue to make things after I’m gone at Kojima Productions.” Kojima went on, openly professing worry over the idea that Kojima Productions might shift to only managing existing IP after his passing. Considering thatKojima has no shortage of wild ideas for games, it’s fairly easy to imagine that he wouldn’t want his ideas to be lost or left unrealized.
Some might find it surprising to hear Kojima bringing up this subject so openly, especially since he’s only 61. However, it seems that he’s been thinking of his mortality since a brush with a severe illness during the pandemic. He noted during the interview that he had become extremely sick during that period of time, and even needed to have surgery. Prior to that, he hadn’t felt his age, and figured he’d keep making games for as long as he lived. However, the illness made him confront his mortality and wonder how much time he had left, even after recovering. It would seem that Kojima felt a significant impact from the pandemic, withCOVID-19 even leading to Kojima rewritingDeath Stranding 2.
For many fans, the notion of a gaming industry with no Hideo Kojima in it is harrowing. He’s been a fundamental part of the industry since 1987, when he headed theoriginalMetal Geargamefor Konami, and his influence has been felt ever since. With any luck, Kojima will be around for many years yet to come and will get to create the ideas he currently has on that USB stick instead of having to leave it to others.
