Sony Computer Entertainment recently announced that it signed an agreement with Kojima Productions, a newly formed studio by the acclaimed game designer Hideo Kojima (of Metal Gear & Zone of the Enders fame), to develop its first game that’s a brand new IP. Sorry everyone, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain was his last hurrah at Konami, but now he gets to create something new.
While it will be a console exclusive to the PlayStation 4. It was just revealed what other platforms Kojima’s first independent game will be available on. Besides PS4, the game is planned to become available on PC (after PS4). However, he would not disclose details on how long the exclusivity will last. Generally speaking timed exclusives can last anywhere from a few months to a year. That is, if you can wait any longer after an expected long multi-year development cycle he’s infamous for.
Here’s a video of Sony announcing a new partnership with Hideo Kojima, one of the most celebrated game developers in history.
Andrew House, President and Global CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, had this to say about the announcement. To quote: “PlayStation’s history is one of game innovation and great new franchises. Hideo Kojima has been a huge part of that history, and we are therefore delighted that he has chosen to bring his brand new project to life in partnership with PlayStation. We look forward to working with him on an exciting new game and warmly welcome him to the PlayStation family.”
Hideo Kojima, Game Designer, Kojima Productions added: “I will be taking on a new challenge by establishing my own independent studio, and I am thrilled to be able to embark on this journey with PlayStation, who I have continued to work with all these past years. I cannot wait to deliver, with PlayStation, a game that will become a compelling franchise.”
Kojima Productions interview by Sony Computer Entertainment:
Q1. I heard that SCE has signed an agreement with Kojima Productions, a studio newly formed by Hideo Kojima. What are the specifics of the agreement?
Kojima Productions has agreed to develop its first software title as a console exclusive to PS4. We do not disclose further details.
Q2. When was the agreement signed?
We have announced immediately after the contract was signed, Wednesday, Dec 16, 2015.
Q3. Does this mean Kojima Productions now belongs under SCE WWS?
No, it is an independent studio.
Q4. Is SCE making an investment in Kojima Productions? What is the total cost of the agreement? Is it incorporated in the G&NS forecast? How much impact will this have to Sony’s overall operating performance?
SCE is not investing in Kojima Productions. Cost of the contract is undisclosed. Cost is already incorporated. Impact is minimal.
Q5. Why is Kojima Productions bringing their very first software to PS4 as a console exclusive? How did it come about?
Kojima is an extremely creative and passionate game designer who has made countless contributions to PlayStation and the gaming industry. By having Kojima develop his first independent title to PS4, we believe that we can deliver completely new gaming experiences made possibly only by Kojima, to gaming fans worldwide. We are not disclosing further details on how this agreement was realized.
Q6. What other platforms will Kojima’s first independent title be available on, besides PS4?
The title is planned to become available on PC (after PS4).
Q7. How long is the exclusivity?
We are not disclosing details.
Q8. Will Kojima’s second title (and beyond) not be PlayStation console exclusives?
We announced an agreement regarding Kojima’s first title, and SCE cannot comment on titles beyond that.
Q9. Does this have anything to do with Hideo Kojima not attending the PS Award on Dec 3?
Who will attend the PS Award ceremony is decided by the publisher and SCE cannot comment on anything further.
Q10. Will your relationship with Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. be affected by this agreement?
Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. will remain one of SCE’s most important publishers, and our relationship with them will not change.
In regards to the first title of Kojima Productions
Q11. What will the first title be about?
It will be something completely new. We have nothing further to announce at this point in time.
Q12. Will the title have something to do with the METAL GEAR series?
No. It will be something completely new. “METAL GEAR” is a title from Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Q13. Will the title have something to do with the cancelled Silent Hills sequel?
No. It will be something completely new. “Silent Hill” is a title from Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Q14. Are there any possibilities for the title to support PS VR?
We have nothing to announce at this point in time. We will announce further details of the title when ready.
Q15. Are there any possibilities for the title to become available on PS Vita?
We have nothing to announce at this point in time. We will announce further details of the title when ready.
Q16. When will the title become available? Will it be available worldwide?
We have nothing to announce at this point in time. We will announce further details of the title when ready.
Q17. Will SCE WWS and Kojima Productions develop the first title together?
The software title will be developed by Kojima Productions, but SCE will provide support as necessary.
Q18. Which company will publish the first title?
SCE will be the publisher.
Q19. Will the title’s copyright belong to SCE?
We have nothing to announce at this point in time. We will announce further details when ready.
Q20. Will all future titles developed by Kojima Productions be released on PS4?
We announced an agreement regarding Kojima’s first title, and SCE cannot comment on titles beyond that.
Q21. Will Kojima Productions develop titles for other platforms while working on the PS4 console exclusive title?
We announced an agreement regarding Kojima’s first title, and SCE cannot comment on titles beyond that.
Q22. Are there any possibilities for the title to be released on the next generation platform?
Kojima Productions has agreed to bring their very first software to PS4 as a console exclusive. We do not disclose further details.
Regarding Kojima Productions
Q23. How many staff?
Details are not disclosed.
Q24. Is the studio headquartered in Japan? What is the address?
Yes, headquarter is in Japan. Address is not disclosed
Q25. Can you tell me further details of Kojima Productions?
Please contact Kojima Productions for further details.
Contact: PR@kojimaproductions.jp
Kojima Productions interview transcript from IGN:
On the New Studio
Hideo Kojima, founder: “For the new start, we’re just starting right now with this new studio. First we have to find an office, put together the manpower. I’m thinking of looking for offices here in Tokyo. Something not-too-big, I’m thinking smaller-scale, not too many people, and focusing on game creation at first.
“So the concept for this new studio would be creating things with good quality, and keeping the quality we’ve had so far, or even pushing it higher, while doing big things that so far we couldn’t do. We’ll have more agility, we’ll be able to do things that are more edgy, preserving the quality we’ve had so far, while at the same time finding new challenges and exploring new areas.
“When it comes to the things we want to do, of course it will be on creating new franchises and new IP. That will be the initial focus.
“As far as how big I want it to be, I don’t want it to be too big. I want to focus on the agility of the studio, how efficiently we are able to do things. For the first time, I want to focus on one game, on one thing. And after that, if we can do it, maybe we’ll start to do more things. But for the time being, we’re focusing on one thing.”
Yoji Shinkawa, art director: “I’ll be in charge of creating the concept for the characters, concepts for the backgrounds, concepts for the mechs, their designs. Once that’s done, I’ll also overlook the whole art process. In that regard, it won’t change that much. I hope I can do my best the way I’ve been doing so far.
“One thing that’s different is I want to accept more challenges and do things as I wasn’t able to do before. I want to expand, on a personal level, the things I can do. We’ve been working on a franchise that is beloved and has recognizable characters. One of my big goals is, visually, as well as whatever characters we create, go beyond that, are more recognizable, are more beloved. That’s definitely one of the goals I have when it comes to the art side.
“We’ve been working on a franchise that is beloved and has recognizable characters. One of my big goals is, visually, with whatever characters we create, to go beyond that, to be more recognizable, more beloved. That’s definitely one of the goals I have when it comes to the art side.”
On the New Logo
Kojima: “I’ve always loved astronauts, and [the new Kojima Productions logo] is designed so it can be seen as a medieval knight or an astronaut’s helmet. The concept is, with new technology and a pioneer spirit, we want to bring you to a new realm – within the digital world, I mean – we want to travel together with you to a new realm to which no one has gone before.
“As for the skeleton, we’re homo sapiens – people of wisdom – but we’re also homo ludens – people who play – and the concept behind this logo is that: With new technology and a pioneer spirit, we’ll deliver play to a new world.”
On the Sony Partnership
Kojima: “With Sony PlayStation, they make their content globally. It’s thanks to Sony that I was able to make a splash in the global market. It’s been 10-plus years since then and the working relationship at Sony, the people at Sony, we gel well. People at Sony have been friendly with me, I work well with them. I got several offers from many different companies, but with Sony it came to a point where I know these people, we know each other well. I feel like this is an environment where I will be able to make something and be comfortable. And I believe that is the environment I need right now.
“We know each other, we understand each other, and based on this relationship, I think it’s a good point to create a new IP. That’s the reason I chose to work with Sony on this project.
“I want to create something that’s what people expect, but at the same time will have something new that people haven’t seen before. It will be a complete game.”
On the Game Engine
Kojima: “We could go either way. Whether it’s using an existing engine or making another engine. We’ll have to do some research before making a decision on that one.”
On the Japanese Market
Kojima: “I make games in Japan for a global market. As long as there’s a market out there in the world for making games, I’m not too focused on what’s happening in the domestic market in Japan.
“However, because I make games for all the world, I want to make games that go to a global market. If there are very fun games are out there, I believe they will eventually find their way to Japan. People in Japan will start consuming them.”
On Working with Guillermo del Toro
Kojima: “Mr. Del Toro is a talented person and a very good friend of mine. Every now and then we talk about working together in the future, but I cannot make that guarantee here. But I definitely want to work with him in the future. I have no idea what I’ll be working on with him, if it’ll be a game, a movie, anime, but someday I definitely want to create something with him.”
On Looking Ahead
Shinkawa: “I’m getting the opportunity to create a new game again with Mr. Kojima. I’m really excited for this. One thing that happened through this period, the voice of the fans, the people who expected a lot, they gave me courage. They made me feel really well. I felt really gratified having worked so hard in creating games and doing the art I create. I want to correspond to the fans, to get back to them, and I think working again with Mr. Kojima is a great way to do this.”
Kojima: “I’ve been in this industry for 30 years. I turned 52 this year. I’m getting to a new start, and I am very confident. I’ll keep creating games until the day I die. Rest assured I’m making more games, something more fun, something you haven’t seen, and it would be great if I could count on the fans to support me in this.”
What game do you want to see Hideo Kojima make next? Another Metal Gear Solid-like game with a new cast or something brand new?