Microsoft confirmed the change of partner for Physint, the spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid that Kojima is preparing
Sharma noted that the developer's ambition to challenge conventions aligns with the type of creativity that Xbox seeks to support.
The executive took over after Phil Spencer's retirement and made Kojima a priority within her strategy to reorganize Xbox.
PlayStation also issued a statement regarding the decision. The company confirmed that it stopped collaborating with Kojima Productions on the project.
Physint, the new video game from Hideo Kojima that was presented alongside Sony, will now be published by Xbox. Microsoft confirmed the agreement and expanded its relationship with Kojima Productions.
According to IGN, the project is still in development and joins the horror game OD within the alliance between the Japanese studio and Xbox.
The agreement establishes that Xbox will be the publisher of Physint, a project that can be considered a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid.
The relationship between Microsoft and Kojima Productions also includes OD, the horror video game that will be released before Physint.
Additionally, both parties will expand their partnership beyond video games to also work in film and television.
“This expands our relationship with Xbox beyond OD,” stated Hideo Kojima. The developer added that they aim to redefine the action and espionage genre.
Kojima explained on X how the change of partner occurred. According to his post, in mid-June he received a notification from PlayStation Studios about the cancellation of Physint.
The project was important for both Kojima Productions and Kojima himself. Therefore, the studio spent three months searching for a new partner.
Finally, the team found in Xbox an ally with a shared vision for the future. Kojima confirmed that the development of Physint continues.
Asha Sharma, CEO of Xbox, emphasized that Kojima chose to work with Microsoft and its studio to move forward with Physint.
At the same time, it highlighted its admiration for Kojima's vision and assured that the relationship between both parties remains strong.
The company recalled its three decades of creative collaboration with the developer and anticipated that it hopes to maintain the bond with Kojima Productions.
When Physint was announced in 2024, Sony had publicly backed the project. The announcement was made during a State of Play broadcast.
Hermen Hulst, then head of PlayStation Studios, appeared alongside Kojima and highlighted the partnership between PlayStation and Kojima Productions.
The announcement ended with both walking off the stage as the camera showed a Columbia Pictures sign with the name Physint.
Physint is still a working title and there are few official details about its proposal. Kojima defined it as an interactive game that will also function as a movie.
The project will be an action and espionage experience for the next generation. It will utilize advanced technology and bring together talents from the film and video game industries.
The developer also noted that aspects such as the story, characters, performances, fashion, and sound will aim to reach a level befitting cinematic digital entertainment.
