Kojima Productions bookended Sony’s first State of Play this year with a lengthy 10-minute trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. But, for the non-fans who tuned out mid-way, you missed out on one of the biggest and most unexpected surprises.
Hideo Kojima confirmed that his independent studio will collaborate with a long-time partner, Sony, on a new project that is pretty much the spiritual successor to his iconic franchise, Metal Gear.
The upcoming game, Physint, is being described as a “next-generation action espionage game.”
“PHYSINT (working title)” will be the third, new original IP since the establishment of KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS. It is a completely new “Action Espionage” for the next-generation. It will be created using cutting-edge technology and the best talents from around the world, both from… pic.twitter.com/0vnMXJbGNz
— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) January 31, 2024
While generally referred to as an “action game”, Metal Gear, specifically Metal Gear Solid, are what Kojima refers to as “tactical espionage action” games. Interestingly, Kojima omitted the word “tactical.” Most likely, this plays a role in what sets Physint apart from Metal Gear.
Already, Kojima is promising big things for Physint. Infamous for his overtly cinematic approach to game design – Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriot literally had hours worth of cinematic, non-playable content – Kojima confirmed that Physint will aim to blend the realms of film and video games. The project promises to be an interactive experience that simultaneously functions as a movie, in terms of its visual style, storytelling, casting, acting, and sound design. Kojima’s statement, “We hope to transcend the barrier between film and video games,” underlines his ambition to blur the lines between these two mediums, taking digital entertainment to new heights.
Although specific details about Physint remain scarce, Kojima’s vision suggests a game that could rejuvenate the stealth genre. His history with Sony, spanning over three decades, has seen the growth of the espionage genre through titles like Metal Gear Solid. This collaboration with Sony is expected to leverage not only their gaming expertise but also their resources in music and film production, hinting at a truly immersive and multifaceted experience.
The development of Physint will commence following the completion of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, another of Kojima’s highly anticipated titles set for release in 2025. This timeline suggests that Physint might not arrive until later in the decade, possibly aligning with the emergence of next-generation gaming platforms like the PlayStation 6.
Kojima Productions is currently juggling multiple projects. In addition to Death Stranding 2, it’s also working on OD, an Xbox-exclusive game announced in collaboration with filmmaker Jordan Peele. OD is also expected to push the boundaries of traditional gaming, incorporating elements of film to create a unique experience.
The announcement of Physint has generated excitement among fans of Kojima’s work, particularly Metal Gear fans.
With Kojima at the helm, expectations are high for a stealth-oriented game that could redefine action espionage games and blur the lines between interactive and cinematic storytelling.
Coincidentally, Kojima’s announcement comes just as Konami is reviving his brainchild, Metal Gear, starting with Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. With another Metal Gear remake rumored to be in the works, this decade could see Snake find himself in a battle of wits and savvy against his creator’s newest machination.
