Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions marked their 10th anniversary with a spectacular “Beyond the Strand” livestream event, unveiling a slew of new projects and collaborations. The event, which lasted over two and a half hours, featured the first trailer for the highly anticipated Xbox Game Studios title OD, details about the PlayStation project Physint, and a new animation project titled Death Stranding: Mosquito. The celebration also included announcements about themed credit cards, sake, and much more.
The livestream, celebrated by fans worldwide, underscored Kojima Productions’ commitment to innovation and storytelling, showcasing a diverse range of projects that span gaming, animation, and even financial products.
OD: A New Horror Experience
During the event, Hideo Kojima, alongside Xbox head Phil Spencer, unveiled the first trailer for OD, a horror project under the Xbox Game Studios banner. The trailer opens with a mysterious red door and cryptic redacted text, setting an eerie tone. The narrative hints at a sinister ritual and a building scanned from an undisclosed location.
The gameplay footage introduces Sophia Lillis, known for her role in “Honor Among Thieves,” as the protagonist. The trailer concludes with a chilling scene where Lillis’s character is approached by an unseen entity. The cast also includes Udo Kier and Hunter Schafer, promising a gripping experience for “all players and screamers.”
OD will explore the “fear of the knock,” a concept Kojima plans to examine globally, even humorously suggesting the possibility of “scanning a ghost.”
Physint: A New Espionage Thriller
Kojima also shared updates on Physint, an action espionage project for PlayStation. Although still in the conceptual phase, a poster revealed a shadowy male figure with the phrase “Here comes the feeling.” The cast includes Charlee Fraser, Don Lee, and Minami Hamabe, with a sneak peek at Hamabe’s character in the game’s engine.
Death Stranding: Mosquito Animation
In a surprising twist, Kojima announced Death Stranding: Mosquito, an animation project directed by Hiroshi Miyamoto and written by Aaron Guzikowski. The animation, distinct from the game, features a protagonist with the ability to “suck something really important,” a nod to its working title.
The animation employs a unique style, starting with hand-drawn lines digitized to create the final product. Studio Easter, known for its work on “Dandadan,” is handling the backgrounds, ensuring a visually stunning experience.
Innovative Collaborations and Future Plans
Kojima Productions is partnering with Niantic Spatial, the creators of Pokémon Go, on an AR project designed to “move beyond the screen.” This collaboration aims to redefine immersive entertainment by connecting players with their real-world environments.
“If there’s one thing we need in our society right now, it’s something that unifies us,” said Niantic Spatial boss John Hanke.
Further expanding their reach, Kojima Productions is launching a credit card with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, set for release in 2026. This card will feature a smartphone app and allow users to earn points redeemable for merchandise.
Additionally, the studio is teaming up with Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten to produce Zaku Ludens, a branded sake, further showcasing their diverse interests.
Looking Ahead: Kojima Productions’ 20-Year Vision
Hideo Kojima outlined a 20-year plan for the studio, likening it to building and launching a spaceship. The first phase (2015-2019) focused on establishing the studio and creating new IPs, including “Death Stranding.”
The second phase (2019-2025 and beyond) aims to enhance existing IPs and explore new media formats, such as films and comics. The third phase (2030-2035) envisions creating new IPs from both legacy and digital media.
As Kojima Productions celebrates its 10th anniversary, the studio reflects on its journey from its founding in 2016 to its current status as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. With a robust lineup of projects and collaborations, the future looks promising for Kojima and his team.
