Since his departure from Konami, Hideo Kojima has been flourishing with his studio Kojima Productions. Through Death Stranding, he demonstrated that he is capable of shaking up the industry while working independently, but Hideo Kojima isn't done creating just yet. There are quite a few projects the studio is busy with, and while none of them are likely to release in 2023, gamers will almost certainly find out more about these projects this year.
Kojima Productions is expanding the Death Stranding franchise with a sequel game and movie. As the release date for these projects draws nearer, more information should be released, though it is likely to be cryptic, as is the case with most of Kojima's marketing. Gamers can also expect to learn about the Xbox game the studio is busy with. Though Kojima seems very excited about it, gamers know next to nothing about this secret project so far.
Death Stranding 2
At The Game Awards 2022, Kojima Productions confirmed that Death Stranding 2 is on the way. The reveal trailer features Sam Bridges, although he looks much older. Fragile also makes an appearance, and she is seen rescuing what seems to be an infant version of Lou. A large machine is shown emerging from an expansive body of water, and this suggests that the upcoming game may be taking gamers underwater. According to Kojima, he had written much of the story, but changed everything following the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps most interestingly, while Death Stranding was all about building connections, Death Stranding 2 seems to be focused on interrogating the dangers that come with making those connections.
Death Stranding 2 has yet to receive a release date, and it would be unwise for gamers to expect the game to release this year. When gamers viewed character artist Frank Aliberti's ArtStation profile, they noticed that Death Stranding 2 was listed with a 2024 release date. His profile has since been changed. Though this is not conclusive proof of the game's release date, it does lend further evidence that Death Stranding 2 is far more likely to release next year than this year.
Nevertheless, fans can expect to see Kojima continue his cryptic marketing campaign throughout 2023. Last year, he began teasing fans with posters featuring performers such as Shioli Kutsuna and Elle Fanning, though it is not yet known what role they will play. It is nearly impossible to predict what direction the enigmatic Death Stranding 2 marketing will go next. If gamers want to find out more, they should tune into Brain Structure, which is Kojima's podcast on Spotify.
Death Stranding Movie
The upcoming game isn't the only Death Stranding-related project Kojima Productions is busy with. There is also a Death Stranding movie in the works, which follows the trend of many recent IPs on PlayStation. The movie is being made in collaboration with Alex Lebovici, who is the executive producer of the movie Barbarian. Not much has been revealed about this movie, though Kojima claims it will be revolutionary. According to the auteur, "the Death Stranding movie is taking a direction that nobody has tried before with a movie adaptation of a game." He also claims that it is not a typical blockbuster film, but instead, it will be an arthouse movie.
With no release date announced, and no news regarding any filming, it is highly unlikely that fans will see the film in 2023. However, gamers could find out more about the upcoming move this year, such as potential reveals regarding the cast. In theory, it should be relatively easy to cast for the Death Stranding movie, as many of the mocap performers such as Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, and Margeret Qualley are already movie stars.
Kojima Productions' Xbox Game
In 2022, Kojima announced that his studio is busy with an Xbox game that will utilize Microsoft's Xbox cloud technology. He has shown great enthusiasm for the project, and he claims it is something he has wanted to do for a long time, though the necessary technology was never available. According to Kojima, the game will feel like an entirely new medium, and if pulled off correctly, it could revolutionize things "not just in the game industry, but in the movie industry as well." With no title announced or even a reveal trailer, gamers will likely only see the game after the release of Death Stranding 2, though this doesn't mean that there won't be more information about the game in 2023.
If industry insider Tom Henderson is to be believed, the project Kojima Productions is busy with is titled Overdose, and it is a horror game. Henderson also claims that the game features Margaret Qualley and that players will be able to control the game using their mobile phones. None of these leaks have been verified, though Henderson has a track record that has made him a reliable source. It also seems in line with Kojima's aspirations, as he has shown interest in making a horror title for a long time. Though he briefly had an opportunity with Silent Hills, he left Konami before he had the opportunity to execute on his ideas.
Kojima Productions isn't a studio known for churning out a great number of games, but it still manages to grab the attention of the gaming world thanks to its ability to provide truly unique experiences. Death Stranding was a good glimpse of the innovation the studio is capable of, and it appears that developers are interested in taking things to the next level with the upcoming projects. Furthermore, the studio will be embracing the world of film, which is unsurprising, as Hideo Kojima is a lifelong movie buff. Though there likely won't be any new game releases from Kojima Productions this year, games can look forward to plenty of updates regarding the many projects in development.
Death Stranding 2 is in development.