[REVISION HISTORY]

Kojima Productions and PlayStation partnership dissolution

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2026-10-06 21:24 UTC → 2026-10-18 17:04 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Following the dissolution of its partnership with Sony Interactive Entertainment, Kojima Productions has transitioned the development of the tactical espionage project, Physint, to Xbox. The shift occurred after Sony withdrew support via a Zoom call in June 2026, a move that initially raised concerns regarding the financial stability of Kojima Productions and its 200 employees. While Kojima Productions has dismissed reports regarding the commercial performance of the Death Stranding series as unsubstantiated, industry reports suggest the split was driven by high budget requests, development timelines, and exclusivity concerns. Recent reports have centered on the project’s massive scale, with some estimates placing the budget as high as $400 million. However, industry sources, including Jez Corden and Jason Schreier, suggest that the $400 million figure may represent the amount Sony was originally expected to pay. These sources claim that Xbox is now developing the title with a budget that is only a ‘fraction’ of that original amount. Microsoft has agreed to fund Physint under a different financial structure as it undergoes internal restructuring to focus on major blockbuster titles. The project, which features Bill Skarsgård, Charlee Fraser, Ma Dong-seok, and Minami Hamabe, is intended to be a broad intellectual property spanning video games, film, anime, and television. The new agreement with Microsoft is multifaceted, covering not only video game development but also rights for film and television adaptations. Additionally, the deal reportedly includes improved terms for Kojima’s other project, OD. During a recent episode of the Koji10 podcast, Hideo Kojima provided further updates. For Physint, Kojima confirmed the script is complete and that several actors have already undergone body scanning. While the project evokes the roots of the Metal Gear series, Kojima emphasized it aims to provide a “different kind of spy action” through new interactive experiences. He noted that filming and performance capture are expected to begin in 2025, with full production potentially starting in 2027. Additionally, Kojima discussed his horror title, OD, noting it is intended to be released before Physint. Despite the transition to Xbox, Kojima recently sparked speculation regarding a potential renewed collaboration with Sony after posting social media photos from Sony City facilities.

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