Hideo Kojima’s ‘Forgetting Game’: Reality for Gamers Over 30?

Is Hideo Kojima tapping into a universal gamer experience? The legendary creator of Metal Gear and Death Stranding has floated an intriguing game concept: a "forgetting game" where characters lose abilities and information the longer you're away. For many gamers over 30, this sounds less like innovation and more like… Tuesday.

The idea, as described on his podcast (via IGN), involves a character who gradually forgets controls, story details, and even how to fire a weapon the longer a player is inactive. Leave the game long enough, and the character might be completely immobile. "Players would have to take a week off work or school to play it," Kojima joked.

This concept resonated instantly, because who hasn't returned to a sprawling RPG after a few weeks, only to be completely bewildered? The sheer complexity of modern games, with their intricate systems and endless tutorials, contributes to this. Combine that with, shall we say, the *wisdom* of age, and it's a recipe for digital amnesia.

Kojima's exploration of time and memory isn't new. He even considered having Sam Porter's hair grow in Death Stranding 2 while players were offline, but feared making Norman Reedus look "uncool." Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater famously allowed players to defeat the boss The End simply by waiting long enough for him to die of old age.

The proposed "forgetting game" mechanic almost made it into Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. Imagine a scenario where, upon returning to the game, you're as lost as your character, stumbling through the world with no clue what to do. It would be gaming's version of lotus eaters, passively absorbing the atmosphere while oblivion creeps in.

While this particular mechanic may not make its way into a final product, it highlights Kojima's willingness to experiment with unconventional gameplay elements. He consistently pushes boundaries and challenges player expectations, even if the ideas border on the absurd.

Ultimately, Hideo Kojima's "forgetting game" is more than just a quirky concept. It is a commentary on the ever-increasing demands of modern gaming and the realities of aging, and a mirror reflecting the often-hilarious struggle to keep up with our increasingly complex digital worlds.

Is this the future of gaming, or is it already here? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Have you ever experienced a “forgetting game” moment?

• Death Stranding 2
• Hideo Kojima
• Metal Gear Solid