Hideo Kojima is returning to the horror genre with OD, a project he insists is vastly different from the standard tropes typically associated with the category. Despite early trailers that might suggest a conventional scary experience, Kojima says the reality of the game is something far more experimental.
"I wanted to do something new. I wanted to do something different," Kojima told Entertainment Weekly. "I had this OD concept since I was working on Death Stranding and I was working on it just by myself. I can't reveal much detail, but it's something that no one has ever seen before. A new game system."
The Road to Xbox
The development of OD has been marked by a struggle to find a partner willing to take a risk on the project. Kojima revealed that he pitched the concept to numerous companies, both large and up-and-coming, only to be met with skepticism. "They said that I'm crazy, and that they really don't understand the concept—that they will not be able to do it," he said.
Ultimately, the project found a home with Xbox Game Studios. The partnership is a notable shift for the developer, whose previous projects like the Metal Gear Solid series and Death Stranding have been synonymous with PlayStation platforms. Asha Sharma, the current head of Xbox, has been vocal about her support for the title, describing it as "deeply moving" and representative of "another kind of game."
Sharma framed the acquisition of the project as part of a wider push to ensure the platform remains open to diverse creative voices, noting, "We need to make sure our platform is sufficiently open so more creators and developers can come on board and be successful, because the next Kojima is yet to be known."
A Horror Game for Everyone
While OD is designed to be a single-player horror game that pushes the limits of "scariness," Kojima is concerned about accessibility for players who might find the intensity overwhelming. To address this, he has integrated a specific system to keep players engaged.
"For those that might stop playing when it gets too scary, I have thought of a system that will allow them to keep going," Kojima explained. "I can't say much more, because it'll give too much of a hint on the system, and I could get in trouble for saying too much!"
The project features a high-profile cast, including Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and a posthumous performance from Udo Kier. The game is co-written by Jordan Peele, known for his work on the film Get Out. As of now, OD has yet to receive a formal release date, but it is confirmed to be heading to Xbox Series X and PC.