Hideo Kojima is a visionary creator with decades in the business, and at this point, he’s a borderline household name. As one of the most enigmatic and prolific profiles in the gaming industry, Hideo Kojima is often worshipped by the next generation, and he has dedicated his entire life to shaping some of the most marvellous games the world has seen.
In a recent interview, Kojima revealed that the creativity streak that runs through him can often be a curse rather than a blessing. In his words, it’s like a disease that never leaves his mind alone.
The Cost of Success
Hideo Kojima started working at Konami in 1986, and by 1987, he’d released Metal Gear, kickstarting a franchise that would turn heads for decades to come. In 2015, he departed the company on unfriendly terms, forming Kojima Productions and starting work on a new project dubbed Death Stranding.
Just a couple of months ago, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach hit the market, wowing gamers worldwide.
Kojima is now at work on whatever comes next, focusing on projects like OD and Physint, while also thinking about the future of Death Stranding, even if it won’t be him who makes it.
In a recent interview with Man of Many, the iconic creator gave up some home truths about never switching off, stressing that his brain is focused on building worlds and forging stories every minute of the day.
I’m always thinking about new projects. Even now, I have a lot of things I want to do… but they’ll take another three to four years to make. Will those ideas still be relevant by then?
Sometimes I see movies and get ideas, but sometimes it’s just from reading, or walking, or talking to people.
It’s almost like a disease. I’m imagining things all the time. Even when I’m talking to my family, in my head I’m in a totally different world.
A lot of people don’t understand that.
A while ago, Kojima reportedly handed a USB stick to his assistant, bursting with ideas and potential plans for future projects. He intends to have his influence felt long after he’s gone, which has been a concern of his for the last few years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
What’s the next Hideo Kojima project you’re most looking forward to? Let me know on the Insider Gaming forum.
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the news that Dying Light: The Beast is coming out earlier than intended
Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
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