Hideo Kojima’s Post-Mortem Game Legacy: A USB Stick of Ideas

The world of video games is buzzing with a fascinating revelation from iconic creator Hideo Kojima. Known for his groundbreaking work on titles like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, Kojima has revealed he's preparing a unique legacy: a USB stick filled with game ideas to be used by Kojima Productions after his passing. This isn't just about leaving behind existing IP; it's about ensuring his creative vision continues to inspire future projects.

In an interview with Edge Magazine, reported by VGC, Kojima shared that the decision was spurred by reflections during the pandemic. Turning 60 and experiencing a serious illness made him confront his mortality and consider the future of his studio. "Until then, I didn’t think I was old, you know? I just didn’t feel my age, and I assumed I would be able to create for as long as I live," he said.

This led him to ponder how Kojima Productions would thrive without him. "This is a fear for me: what happens to Kojima Productions after I’m gone? I don’t want them to just manage our existing IP." Thus, the idea of the USB stick was born – a vessel containing a wealth of potential game concepts for his team to explore. He wants to secure the future of the company with fresh ideas, not just legacy management.

While the exact contents of the USB stick remain a mystery, Kojima has recently hinted at some intriguing concepts. These include ideas centered around memory loss, aging, and even simulations of real-time processes like wine and cheese creation. He even considered implementing a beard-growth mechanic for Sam in Death Stranding 2, but scrapped it to avoid making Norman Reedus look "uncool."

Kojima's proactive approach highlights his dedication to his craft and his team. He acknowledges that while he may only have a limited time left for active development (estimating around ten years before his creative energy potentially diminishes), his ideas can live on through the work of others at Kojima Productions. He aims to secure the studio's future beyond his active tenure, nurturing the creation of new games instead of merely upholding existing titles. The gaming world therefore has more to anticipate, even after his retirement.

This news raises several questions: What kind of experiences can we expect from Kojima Productions in the future? Will these post-mortem ideas capture the same innovative spirit as Kojima's previous works? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!

• Death Stranding
• Hideo Kojima
• Kojima Productions