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Xbox picks up Kojima’s Physint after PlayStation dropped it
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Xbox has secured publishing rights for the highly anticipated game Physint from renowned developer Hideo Kojima, following an unexpected cancellation by Sony PlayStation. The move makes Physint the second Kojima Productions title set for Xbox, alongside the horror project OD, marking a significant shift in the relationship between the studio and its previous publisher.
The development was announced amid a series of statements from PlayStation, Xbox, Kojima Productions, and Kojima himself. Sony, which published both of Kojima Productions' previous Death Stranding games, described the cancellation as a “difficult decision,” while insisting its relationship with the studio “remains strong.” Kojima, however, stated on social media that Sony provided a sudden cancellation notice in June, forcing the studio to spend three months searching for a new partner.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma welcomed the partnership, stating that Kojima’s ambition to challenge conventions aligns with Xbox’s commitment to supporting creative vision. The announcement aligns with Sharma’s earlier memo to staff, which emphasized a focus on “strongest franchises and biggest new ideas.” The deal also signifies a deepening relationship, with plans for collaboration extending into film and television, though specific details were not disclosed.
Kojima Productions first outlined its film and television ambitions in 2021, which has since led to two Death Stranding adaptations in development. These include an animated spin-off titled Mosquito and a live-action adaptation from the director of Pig. The expansion into other media suggests a broader strategic vision for the studio’s intellectual properties.
Physint is described by Kojima as a “genre-defining action-espionage title,” sparking speculation that it could serve as a spiritual successor to his iconic Metal Gear series. However, the game is not expected to launch until at least 2030, indicating a lengthy development cycle. Its companion title, OD, announced in 2022, is anticipated to arrive sooner.
The acquisition represents a major content win for Xbox and its Game Pass service, while raising questions about the future of Sony’s relationship with premier third-party developers. For fans, the prolonged wait for Physint begins, as they await further details on this pivotal collaboration between a legendary creator and a new platform partner.
