Hideo Kojima Reflects on Life and Legacy: A Look Into the Mind of the Gaming Visionary

Hideo Kojima, the renowned creator of the Metal Gear series, has recently opened up about how turning 60 and facing a severe illness during the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped his perspective on life and work. In a candid interview with Edge Magazine, Kojima expressed a deep contemplation about his future, his creative pursuits, and the legacy he wishes to leave behind.

A Wake-Up Call During the Pandemic

While Kojima celebrated his 60th birthday during the production of Death Stranding 2, it was not the milestone itself that prompted his introspection. “Turning 60 was less of a turning point in my life than my experiences during the pandemic,” he explained. Faced with a serious illness and an eye operation during this tumultuous time, he reflected on his mortality and the creativity he still longs to harness.

“Until then, I didn’t think I was old,” he admitted. “I just assumed I would be able to create for as long as I live.” However, the pandemic forced him to confront the realities of life and death, igniting a desire to maximize his remaining years in creative endeavors. “I saw lots of people around me passing away at that time… now I was thinking, ‘Wait, how many years do I have left to make a game or a film?’”

A Suite of New Projects on the Horizon

His recent reflections have led him to embrace a variety of projects that he believes can secure the future of Kojima Productions beyond his life. He is currently involved not only with Death Stranding 2, but also with several other ambitious titles, including a Sony-backed action-espionage game called Physint and an Xbox-supported project named OD.

Kojima mentioned, “During my illness, I realized a lot of fans wanted me to make something like Metal Gear, which is why I decided to create Physint with Sony.” This renewed focus on his work reflects his commitment to creating engaging experiences for players while also laying a foundation for his studio’s future.

Securing the Legacy: A Personal Will

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Kojima’s planning is his admission of having prepared a “will” of sorts for his creative ideas. “I gave a USB stick with all my ideas on it to my personal assistant, kind of like a will,” he said. This act underscores his desire for Kojima Productions to continue innovating and creating after his time, rather than merely managing existing intellectual properties.

This consideration for his legacy is becoming an increasingly central theme in his life as he contemplates the inevitable question: what happens to Kojima Productions after I’m gone? He hopes to inspire his team to continue pushing boundaries in gaming.

Influences and Guidance from Fellow Creatives

Interestingly, as part of his reevaluation, Kojima considered directing film but was advised against it by fellow directors Guillermo del Toro and Nicolas Winding Refn, both of whom appeared in Death Stranding. Their guidance led him to reaffirm his commitment to making groundbreaking video games, which they’ve supported due to his unique storytelling ability and vision.

Looking to the Future

As Kojima navigates this reflective phase of his life, the gaming community remains excited about the future projects he will spearhead. The latest issue of Edge Magazine, where he shares these insights, is available both physically and digitally, sparking anticipation among fans eager to see what lies ahead for this iconic game designer.

Kojima’s journey reminds us of the importance of embracing life’s fleeting moments and creating a legacy that resonates beyond our years. As he continues to work on these projects, one thing remains clear: Hideo Kojima is a force in gaming, and his contributions will be felt for generations to come.

For more insights on the future of gaming and the latest projects from influential figures like Hideo Kojima, check out our articles on Kojima Productions, Death Stranding, and the unique intersection of film and video games with creators like Guillermo del Toro.