When visionary game director Hideo Kojima decided to establish his own studio, Kojima Productions, he faced considerable skepticism. Marking eight years since its inception, Kojima reflects on the challenges and opposition he encountered in this daring venture.
The decision to go independent came shortly after the release of “Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain” under Konami. Kojima’s move was met with resistance not only from industry peers but also from his close circle of friends and family.
They voiced concerns about the viability of starting a new company without the backing of a large, established organization. Their skepticism was rooted in traditional views about the necessities of financial and organizational support for such ambitious endeavors.
In an essay-length tweet, Kojima expressed his belief that challenging these old-fashioned ideas was essential. He advocated for the freedom of young creators, emphasizing the importance of independence and innovation in the gaming industry. His stance was clear: creativity should not be bound by conventional corporate structures.
The reason why I am independent and advocate a life-long career is because for me, "creating things" is no longer a job. That's why there is no retirement. Creating things is living. One more thing. In the game industry, there are very few people who have succeeded in becoming… pic.twitter.com/48v9uWOk01
— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) December 16, 2023
Despite initial resistance, Kojima’s determination bore fruit. Kojima Productions was officially announced in December 2015, in collaboration with Sony Interactive Entertainment. This partnership indicated that, contrary to the widespread opposition, there were significant entities in the industry who believed in Kojima’s vision.
Today, Kojima Productions stands as a testament to Kojima’s commitment to his craft. The studio has been involved in various notable projects, including the development of “Death Stranding 2” and a collaboration with A24 on a movie adaptation of “Death Stranding.” Furthermore, Kojima’s recent announcement of a new horror game titled “OD,” made in collaboration with Jordan Peele, showcases his continued drive for innovation and storytelling in gaming.
In his reflections, Kojima also shared a personal commitment to continue creating games as long as he is physically able to do so, underscoring his lifelong dedication to the art of game development. This journey from facing opposition to establishing a successful independent studio highlights not just Kojima’s resilience but also the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, where individual visionaries can make significant impacts.
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