Hideo Kojima's Next Game Might Not Include So Many Celebrities

In a recent interview with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Hideo Kojima, the head of Kojima Productions and game industry auteur, talked about working with celebrities in his video games and the future of his projects as a part of his induction into the organization’s fellowship program.

In Kojima’s last game, Death Stranding, the cast was predominantly made up of big name celebrities and cast members who weren’t usually affiliated with video games. Hollywood actor Norman Reedus, best known for The Walking Dead, starred as the main character, with Hannibal’s Mads Mikkelsen playing the antagonist role. Famous horror and comic book movie director, Guillermo del Toro, also played a major role in the game.

The game also included cameos from media personality Geoff Keighley, American talk show host Conan O’ Brien, and director Edgar Wright, just to name a few.

However, it seems that Kojima may be looking to pivot away from using such stars in his next project.

“Going forward, I don’t know if other games will work with celebrities. It’s quite a big burden on the creator," said Kojima.

"However, this time, as we featured actors connected to the film industry, it’s become clearer that the distinction between games and films is starting to dissolve. I’ve heard stories from a variety of people--from active film workers, producers, directors, screenwriters, actors, artists, composers--who all say that their respect for games is very high. In particular, those in the film industry in their 40s or younger grew up in the age of video games. They remarked, “[We] were raised with games. From them, we learned storytelling, art, and music. I’m doing work in film now, but my respect for games is special,” said Kojima.

Kojima also touched on the success that was the P.T. demo, a limited-time demo for a Silent Hill game that was never completed. Konami, the company that Kojima was working for at the time, cancelled the Silent Hill game after conflict with Kojima.

Kojima Productions has not announced any new projects in 2020. The team is currently working from home after a staffer tested positive for COVID-19.