Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions marked their 10th anniversary with a spectacular “Beyond the Strand” livestream event, unveiling a slew of exciting projects and collaborations. The event, spanning two-and-a-half hours, captivated fans with announcements ranging from new game trailers to unique partnerships, underscoring Kojima’s innovative spirit in the gaming industry.
The livestream’s highlights included the first trailer for the Xbox Game Studios title “OD,” details on the PlayStation project “Physint,” and a new animation venture titled “Death Stranding: Mosquito.” Additionally, Kojima Productions announced collaborations with Niantic for an AR project, a credit card with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, and a branded sake with Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten.
Hideo Kojima Unveils First Trailer for “OD”
During the livestream, Kojima, alongside Xbox head Phil Spencer, revealed the first trailer for “OD,” a horror project under Xbox Game Studios. The trailer begins with an eerie red door and a cryptic red card, setting the tone for a suspenseful narrative. The footage teases a storyline involving sinister rituals and mysterious buildings, with gameplay featuring actress Sophia Lillis in a terrifying scenario.
The project, subtitled “Knock,” explores the “fear of the knock,” with Kojima expressing his ambition to scan a ghost and win awards for it. The cast includes Udo Kier and Hunter Schafer, promising a thrilling experience for “all players and screamers.”
PlayStation’s “Physint” and New Animation Project
Details on “Physint”
Kojima shared insights into “Physint,” an action espionage game for PlayStation currently in the conceptual phase. The game features a mysterious protagonist and a cast including Charlee Fraser, Don Lee, and Minami Hamabe. A poster revealed during the event hints at a dark, thrilling narrative with the tagline, “Here comes the feeling.”
“Death Stranding: Mosquito” Animation
The working title “Death Stranding: Mosquito” was announced for a new animation project by director Hiroshi Miyamoto and writer Aaron Guzikowski. The animation, distinct from the games, employs a unique style combining hand-drawn lines and digital techniques. Studio Easter, known for their work on “Dandadan,” is handling the background art.
Innovative Collaborations and Future Plans
AR Project with Niantic
Kojima Productions is teaming up with Niantic Spatial, the creators of Pokémon Go, for an augmented reality game that aims to “move beyond the screen.” Kojima and Niantic’s John Hanke envision a project that connects players with their environment, fostering unity through storytelling and technology.
“If there’s one thing we need in our society right now, it’s something that unifies us,” Hanke stated. “And I think that storytelling… has always been humanity’s way of coming together.”
Credit Card and Sake Partnerships
The studio announced a collaboration with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group to release a themed credit card by 2026. This card will feature a smartphone app and allow users to earn points for merchandise. Additionally, Kojima is partnering with Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten to produce “Zaku Ludens” sake, further expanding the brand’s reach.
20-Year Vision for Kojima Productions
Kojima outlined a 20-year plan for the studio, likening it to the launch of a spaceship. The first phase (2015-2019) focused on establishing the brand and creating new IPs like “Death Stranding.” The second phase (2019-2025) aims to enhance these IPs across multiple platforms, while the third phase (2030-2035) envisions creating new IPs from both legacy and digital media.
Reflecting on a Decade of Innovation
The event also celebrated Kojima Productions’ journey, highlighting milestones such as the establishment of the company in 2016, the launch of “Death Stranding,” and partnerships with major industry players. As the studio looks to the future, it remains committed to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and technology.
With these announcements, Kojima Productions continues to solidify its reputation as a pioneer in interactive entertainment, promising fans a future filled with groundbreaking experiences.
