Hideo Kojima, the creator behind Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, has spoken out against the industry's rapid transition toward an all-digital future. His comments come just days after Sony confirmed that production for new physical PlayStation discs will cease in January 2028.
Speaking at the Il Cinema in Piazza film festival in Rome, Kojima admitted that the news is personal. "Since production is ending in 2028, this is about video games, but I grew up with physical media, so I find it really sad," he said. "Currently, I’ve been buying up a lot of Blu-rays, such as various movies, and CDs too."
The Risks of Streaming and Subscription Models
Kojima’s critique centered on the distinction between owning data on a hard drive and accessing it through a subscription service. While he noted that current game downloads remain stored on the user's hardware, he warned that a future shift toward streaming—similar to how Netflix or Amazon operate for film—poses a significant risk to consumer ownership.
"With streaming subscription services, like Netflix or Amazon, there is a server somewhere, and you essentially just have the right to turn the tap, and when you do, the data flows out," Kojima explained. "You don't actually possess the data yourself."
He emphasized that this model leaves consumers at the mercy of corporate and political changes. "One naturally has to consider the possibility that if there is a change, the data inside will stop being distributed. And if that happens you won’t be able to watch or play the movies and games you like. That is what is frightening."
A Growing Industry Shift
Kojima is not the only industry figure concerned by recent developments. The shift away from physical media has seen several high-profile moves that have drawn criticism from players and developers alike. Notably, Rockstar Games recently announced that physical copies of Grand Theft Auto 6 will not include a disc, opting instead to provide a download code inside the box.
These moves arrive at a tumultuous time for digital ownership. Sony recently informed users that it would soon delete access to a library of more than 550 digital films, even for those who had previously purchased them. Despite the backlash from celebrities, corporations, and the gaming community, industry analysts suggest that Sony is unlikely to reverse its decision to end physical disc production as it prepares for the next generation of consoles.
Kojima urged his audience to remain vigilant regarding how they interact with media. "So, what is happening to video games in 2028, might also happen to movies. I’d like everyone to keep that in mind."
Kojima Productions, which recently completed Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, is currently working on the horror project OD. Despite rumors of studio closures and cancellations, it has been confirmed that OD remains safe at Xbox.