Hideo Kojima, a name synonymous with groundbreaking innovations in the video game industry, has made it clear that retirement isn't on his agenda.
At 60, Kojima, recognized as an auteur, continues to shape the industry with his unique vision and storytelling prowess. In fact, his commitment to his craft goes beyond mere job description; for Kojima, he's no longer creating games as a way of living - it's a passion that drives him to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.
Kojima's long and storied journey in the gaming industry hasn't always gone smooth sailing. After parting ways with Konami, he faced skepticism from peers, colleagues, and relatives who doubted the viability of an independent path in the gaming industry. It even came to a point that he had to "rely" on a fan's love for his previous works to push through for a while. Despite these challenges, Kojima forged on. Eventually, his independent studio, Kojima Productions, rolled out Death Stranding to much critical acclaim, and that was it. The naysayers turned into believers and all was good.
The decision to go independent was driven by Kojima's belief that creating things shouldn't be confined to the usual constraints of a conventional job. His approach to game development transcends traditional norms, blending narrative depth, cinematic presentation, and innovative gameplay. This philosophy has earned him a unique place in the industry, where his name alone carries weight and distinction.