Hideo Kojima’s ‘Forgetting Game’: A Stroke of Genius or Unplayable Nightmare?
Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind the Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding franchises, is at it again, teasing fans with his unconventional game ideas. This time, he's floated the concept of a "forgetting game," where the player character gradually loses abilities and information if the player takes extended breaks. Is this another Kojima masterpiece in the making, or a concept destined for the cutting room floor?
The core mechanic, as described on his podcast, KOJI10, revolves around the player character forgetting how to use weapons, losing knowledge of their profession, and eventually, even losing the ability to move if the game isn't played consistently. Imagine logging back into a game after a week only to find your character completely inept. Hilarious or frustrating? That's the question Kojima is seemingly posing.
This concept aligns with Kojima's history of innovative and sometimes challenging game mechanics. From the aging sniper boss in Metal Gear Solid 3 to the unique asynchronous multiplayer of Death Stranding, Kojima constantly pushes the boundaries of what a game can be. This "forgetting game" taps into the universal experience of forgetting game mechanics after a hiatus, amplifying it into a core gameplay element.
However, Kojima himself acknowledges the potential commercial risks. As highlighted by Games Network, he jokes that players might need to take a week off work or school just to play the game. The potential for frustrating players who can't commit to daily play sessions is a real concern. The question is raised, could this gameplay loop be engaging or repetitive, and does it offer enough innovation to justify a full title?
Kojima also shared other intriguing ideas, including a game following a character from birth to old age, and another centered around the slow maturation of products like wine or cheese, something akin to an “idle game”. He even considered having Sam Porter Bridges' beard in Death Stranding 2 grow realistically over time, requiring players to shave him. However, this was scrapped because he “didn’t want to make him look uncool”.
The "forgetting game" mechanic, while intriguing, might be too radical for mainstream appeal. Nonetheless, it exemplifies Kojima's willingness to experiment and challenge the status quo. Only time will tell if this concept ever sees the light of day, but it certainly sparks conversation about the nature of player engagement and memory in video games.
Whether the "forgetting game" is a brilliant concept or an unworkable gimmick, it's guaranteed to be a conversation starter. What do you think? Would you play a game where your character forgets everything if you take a break? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
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