Hideo Kojima Warns Against Copying His Legacy After Retirement
▼ Summary
– Hideo Kojima was seriously ill during the COVID-19 pandemic and feared he wouldn’t finish another project, but has since recovered.
– Kojima refuses to pass his creative methods to successors, believing Kojima Productions would fail if they copied his exact approach.
– He encourages creators inspired by him to develop their own style rather than imitate him directly.
– Kojima prepared a USB stick with game ideas as a “will” to ensure new, original projects continue after his death.
– His upcoming projects include *Death Stranding 2*, *OD*, *Physint*, and involvement in the *Death Stranding* movie, with interest in directing his own film.
Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind iconic games like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, has openly discussed his concerns about the future of his studio after he retires. Despite recovering from a serious illness during the pandemic, the legendary game designer remains focused on his legacy, but not in the way many might expect.
In a recent interview, Kojima made it clear he has no intention of handing down his creative process to successors. “I won’t pass the baton to anyone,” he stated bluntly. “I’d rather break it.” His reasoning? Forcing his team to replicate his style would doom Kojima Productions. Instead, he encourages innovation, believing true inspiration comes from absorbing ideas, not copying them.
This philosophy isn’t new for Kojima. Earlier this year, he revealed he’d stored a trove of game concepts on a USB drive, a digital “will” of sorts. Yet even then, he emphasized that his studio should prioritize fresh ideas over rehashing his past work. “The company must evolve,” he insisted, underscoring his belief in originality.
Fans won’t have to wait long for more of Kojima’s signature creativity. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach hits PlayStation 5 in June, while OD, an Xbox-exclusive horror project, and the spy thriller Physint are also in development. Beyond gaming, he’s collaborating with A24 on a Death Stranding film and has hinted at directing his own movie.
Kojima’s stance reflects a broader truth in creative industries: true longevity comes from reinvention, not imitation. As he continues pushing boundaries, his message to aspiring creators is clear, take inspiration, but forge your own path.
(Source: Game Spot)
