‘Metal Gear’ creator moves to Xbox after Playstation cancellation

TOKYO, September 10 — Renowned game designer Hideo Kojima, creator of the Metal Gear series, announced that development of PHYSINT would move forward under a new partnership with Xbox following a sudden cancellation by PlayStation Studios in mid-June. Kojima disclosed the change through his official social media accounts, explaining that his studio had spent three months seeking a replacement partner after the project was abruptly pulled.

PlayStation subsequently confirmed the decision to cease collaboration with Kojima Productions on the PHYSINT project, expressing its admiration for Kojima's vision while emphasizing its deep, three-decade long relationship with the independent studio. The company stated that their collaboration would continue to grow beyond this project.

Kojima Productions affirmed its commitment to PHYSINT, describing it as an important endeavor for both the studio and Kojima himself. In response to PlayStation's cancellation, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma expressed honor at the opportunity to collaborate with Kojima, stating that creators have the freedom to pursue their ideas on platforms that best suit their vision. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma highlighted that the company is "honored that Kojima‑san has chosen Xbox to work with Kojima Productions on PHYSINT."

The expanded partnership between Xbox and Kojima Productions extends beyond game development, with plans for collaboration on film and television projects. Kojima, widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in modern video game design, gained widespread acclaim for the Metal Gear stealth‑espionage franchise before founding Kojima Productions in 2015.

He has previously released Death Stranding in 2019 and is currently working on another project, OD, alongside Xbox. Kojima assured fans that development of PHYSINT remains active, and Xbox pledged to provide further updates as the project progresses.