Update (11:00AM GMT): The rumours were true: Hideo Kojima has partnered with PlayStation to build a brand new PS4 exclusive. You can find all of the information through here.
Update (19:30PM GMT): PlayStation Nation claims that Hideo Kojima's new studio is independent, but that its first project will be funded by Sony and will release on the PlayStation 4 and PC. It would be strange for an SCE published title to launch on PC, but Helldivers was recently published by PlayStation on Steam, so it's not unprecedented. The site also states that an official announcement is expected soon, though it doesn't ever reveal its sources. This story's going to run and run, we suspect.
Update (18:45PM GMT): Improved translations of the original Nikkei article suggest that Hideo Kojima is in "final negotiations" with Sony regarding the "debut" of a fresh title. It seems that the luminary is already in the advanced stages of establishing a new studio with former Konami developers, though it's unclear who's bankrolling it and whether it will fit under the PlayStation umbrella. More likely is that the studio will be independent, but it's possible that Sony could still publish its game, similar to its arrangement with Quantic Dream.
Original article: Hideo Kojima has officially left Konami and is in talks with Sony about the possibility of setting up a new first-party studio, Japanese newspaper Nikkei reports. Given the Metal Gear Solid franchise's close association with the PlayStation platforms, SCE has always seemed like a solid fit for the veteran's immense talents, so it's no surprise to hear that conversations are taking place. Of course, there's no guarantee that anything will come of them.
Irrespective, this now means that Kojima is finally free to do as he pleases. A report way back in October revealed that the auteur had departed his employer of almost 30 years, but the company refuted the claims, stating that he was on holiday. We now know that he's likely spent the months since Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain's release serving a non-compete clause, which prevented him from attending The Game Awards a few weeks ago.
We had pondered whether Kojima would want to continue making games, but the fact that he's meeting with Sony suggests that he's at least open to the idea. Should he form a new first-party outfit, it's unlikely that we'll see the fruits of his labour for several years. As such, it'll be interesting to see whether the Japanese giant is willing to take a chance on him. To be honest, we can't think of a better fit for the veteran – but we're sure that he'll be getting head hunted until something is signed either way.
[source nikkei.com, via polygon.com, neogaf.com]
Comments 32
The match up makes sense sure hes got a lot of good ideas he can bring and his experience is unquestioned.
It would be a major signing for Sony, and would be investment into the Japanese industry. The only thing is, if it did happen, I doubt we'd see anything from Kojima's new team until 2020 - and we'll probably be thinking about the PS5 by then.
Is that a gamble that Sony would take? Would Kojima want to commit to a project for another five years or so? If both parties are comfortable then I'd absolutely love to see this happen, but I can see a lot of stumbling blocks along the way. This story will run and run.
Thank you Sony!!
I've updated the article with improved translations of the original source. TL;DR: Kojima is forming a new studio with former Konami developers. It sounds like this will be independent, but "final negotiations" are taking place regarding the team's first game "debuting" on PlayStation.
No word on who's bank rolling the company or what the game will even be. (Doubt it's decided yet.)
Even if it takes five years it could potentially be a great launch game for the PS5 which would surely help Sony dominate the next generation too. To be fair I think its a match made in heaven.
welcome home Kojima
Loud Mountains is coming. I do wonder whether Konami will sell the IP to Sony or just keep it out of spite.
@john_c No way Konami will sell the IP.
Very interesting. It was very clear the only party suffering from the breakup would be Konami.
I also hope we get a new IP so we can see something new from him.
This would be fantastic. I'm not sure how long a game would come out from him, but I can imagine a new place; free of contractual arrangements, could be inspirational as well as rejuvenating. I'm sure he has a lot of ideas that he's been wanting to create into new game experiences. He can dictate his own terms, I would imagine.
YES!!! Hopefully they become a first party studio of Sony's! Kojima Productions is back, baby!!!
Added some more updates. Sounds like the studio is independent but Sony's going to be involved with the game. Could all still fall through, but clearly there's some conversations taking place.
I guess we'll find out the full details soon.
Sony's probably the best fit for him, especially if he makes a horror game like he wanted. Sony's the only big AAA outfit that will even tolerate horror these days.
Aw too bad it's not a Sony studio, I was waiting for them to make a splash in acquiring a studio.
I knew it... (I'm sure we all did)
Everything between Sony and Kojima being business partners makes sense. It's going to get REAL interesting for PS4 now.
I call it
Wonder if there will be a revitalization of PT...or something similar...not withstanding any ownership rights with Konami.
Kerching!
And good luck Kojima-san. A true legend in this industry.
@john_c they'll keep it because it's theirs and it is worth a lot of money. That would be like Disney selling Mickey Mouse because he's not in motion pictures anymore.
I want a freaking Kojima RPG that his team and Japan Studios produce together, one to rule them all.
Nice. I'm glad that there's a happy ending to all of this.
Kojima's free at last. He's on a start of a new adventure. Happy travels.
Forget PC PS4 only Kojima
Hmpf... Kojima is a one trick pony anyway....
PSYCH! Ohmagerd, ohmagerd, ohmagerd! This can't be happening. Imma cry tears of pure joy! This game will definitely be a spin on PT, I can just feel it!
Finally saw sense and let him move on I see, the publicity they've been getting over the farce has been pretty bad.
Please sony, figure out a way to buy the silent hill ip and get silent hills going again. Truly though their are certain ip that just feel like sony should own. Crash, spyro, silent hill, resident evil, to name a few.
Kojima, please use all your talent and make us something completely new. Great story telling, awesome enviroments, revolutionary gameplay. We want all that, lol. Seriously though, I think now that he is "free", we may see some all time great level games from him in the near future. Gonna be awesome.
@BigDaddyT0101 I don't think they need to own the Silent Hill franchise for him to make a horror game. Silent Hills always seemed like it was going to be a departure anyway.
The cool thing is that Keiichiro Toyama who created the Silent Hill franchise works at Sony, too, so maybe they could collaborate? Then again, I guess he's busy with Gravity Rush 2.
From Policenauts to ZOE to MGS, his aesthetic appeal and storytelling are unparalleled. Cannot wait to see what comes next to tug on my heart-strings. Kuwabara, Kuwabara — a storm is brewing!
@TomatoDragonPSN That was my first thought when I read this. I hope this means that Guillermo Del Toro and Norman Reedus can hop back on!
Done deal!....just watched the announcement
There is a video on the playstation youtube channel now with Kojima in it confirms new francise for playstation being create by in.
I knew this was going to happen. He's always liked Sony and they've always worked well together.
Now imagine if he goes on to make a sequel to Policenauts or Snatcher. That'd be so damn cool. That said, I think the poor guy is sick and tired of making sequels now.
What wouldn't surprise me all that much is if they continue the Silent Hills thing but under a different name.
@Matroska
Or P.T. VR?
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