Hideo Kojima’s ‘Physint’ Espionage Game: A Five-Year Wait and Potential Movie Directing Debut

Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind the legendary Metal Gear Solid and the innovative Death Stranding, has revealed that his next big project, the action-espionage game 'Physint,' is still five to six years away from release. This announcement has sparked excitement and speculation across the gaming community, especially considering Kojima's expressed interest in directing a film in the future.

In a recent interview with French magazine Le Film Français, Kojima discussed his future plans, including the upcoming Death Stranding 2. When asked about directing a film, he mentioned that he had received numerous offers after leaving Konami. However, his commitment to video game projects, including Physint, takes precedence for now.

“Besides Death Stranding 2, there is Physint in development. That will take me another five or six years. Maybe after that, I could finally decide to tackle a film. I grew up with cinema. Directing would be a kind of homage to it,” Kojima stated. This statement highlights Kojima's deep-rooted passion for cinema and suggests that directing a film is a serious consideration for him after his current gaming commitments.

Physint, described as a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid, was announced in January 2024 during a PlayStation State of Play presentation. Kojima, alongside Herman Hulst, introduced it as a “brand-new, original IP,” representing a “next-generation action espionage game.” While details remain scarce, the promise of a new Kojima-led espionage title has generated considerable buzz among fans of the genre.

Interestingly, Kojima didn't mention OD, his upcoming horror game developed in partnership with Jordan Peele for Xbox Game Studios, during the interview. This could be due to the interview's focus on Death Stranding 2, which is being published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Kojima's long-standing love for cinema is well-documented. He frequently shares film reviews on social media and is known for incorporating cinematic elements into his games, often featuring lengthy, movie-like cutscenes. This passion has fueled speculation that he would eventually transition to filmmaking.

Adding another layer to his future planning, Kojima previously revealed reevaluating his priorities after turning 60 and facing a severe illness during the pandemic. He even created a will containing game ideas for his staff to develop after his passing, demonstrating his dedication to his craft and legacy.

With Death Stranding 2 on the horizon and Physint slated for release in the coming years, Hideo Kojima remains a prominent figure in the gaming industry. His potential venture into filmmaking adds another dimension to his already impressive career. Will Kojima finally direct a movie after Physint? What are your expectations for this Metal Gear spiritual successor? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

• Hideo Kojima
• Metal Gear Solid
• Physint