Hideo Kojima Says Every Publisher Told Him His Idea For OD Was “Crazy”

Hideo Kojima’s OD: A New Game System That Challenges Conventions

Hideo Kojima, the renowned game developer, has revealed new insights into his upcoming horror title OD, which is being developed in partnership with Xbox. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Kojima described the game as "a new game system" and emphasized his goal to "do something new" and "do something different." The concept for OD first emerged during the development of the original Death Stranding several years ago.

Kojima shared that he pitched the idea of OD to a wide range of companies, from major publishers to emerging studios. However, the response was consistent: every company he approached told him that the idea was "crazy" and that they struggled to understand the concept. "They said that I'm crazy, and that they really don't understand the concept — that they will not be able to do it," Kojima stated.

Despite the initial skepticism, OD was eventually greenlit under the leadership of former Xbox boss Phil Spencer. Currently, Asha Sharma, the new Xbox CEO, has praised the game as "deeply moving" and highlighted it as "another kind of game" that showcases the platform's evolving potential. Sharma also emphasized her commitment to ensuring Xbox remains an open and welcoming platform for developers of all kinds, stating that it is her goal to support the success of the "next Kojima."

A Game Designed to Be as Scary as Possible — With a Twist

OD is set to be a horror game that aims to deliver an intense and terrifying experience. This is evident from the game's trailer, which showcases its eerie atmosphere and unsettling visuals. Kojima explained that the goal is to make the game "as scary as possible," but he also revealed a unique system designed for players who might get too frightened.

"For those that might stop playing when it gets too scary, I have thought of a system that will allow them to keep going," Kojima said. However, he chose not to elaborate further, noting that doing so might reveal too much about the system and potentially cause issues.

The game features a stellar cast of celebrity actors, including Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and the late Udo Kier. Their involvement adds an extra layer of intensity to the horror elements of OD, making it a project that stands out in Kojima's growing portfolio.

In addition to OD, Kojima is also working on the espionage game Phsyint for Sony. This shows that his creative vision is being explored across multiple platforms, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities.