Physint: Hideo Kojima Explains What Happened with Sony
But according to Jason Schreier, things aren't exactly as they seem
Physint will mark Hideo Kojima's return to espionage video games, the genre that cemented his place in the pantheon of game designers. It is a work that could inherit the spiritual legacy of Metal Gear Solid and has been much discussed in recent days, first due to Sony's surprising withdrawal, with Microsoft becoming the new publisher, then for the cast which will be led by Bill Skarsgard.
The Japanese game designer gave an interview to IGN, to explain how the split with Sony occurred. In a video call, the company informed Kojima that it would no longer fund the project, leaving the author in a state of shock. Kojima says he is fully aware of the delicate situation the industry is in, but despite this, he was convinced that Physint was safe.
The Specter of Layoffs
His first thought went to the employees: Kojima Productions' staff numbers around 200 people and was further expanded for Physint. Some members even joined the studio, leaving their previous positions at large companies in the sector. The fear was that the cancellation of the project would inevitably lead to layoffs: Kojima Productions is working on only two games and must necessarily adjust its workforce accordingly. In the worst-case scenario, it could even have led to closure.
Without a publisher, things would have been dire. Kojima Productions has always operated independently and to do so, had to painstakingly obtain loans from banks: the news that one of the two ongoing projects was canceled would have created enormous problems with credit institutions. These negative thoughts accumulated in Kojima's mind, and for a few days, the news of the breakup with Sony was kept hidden from the majority of the staff, so as not to demoralize them.
Kojima's Reaction and the Choice of Xbox
The first thing Kojima did after receiving Sony's communication was to sit at his desk and refine the concept of Physint. The next step was the search for a new publisher: the idea was to propose Physint not only as a video game but as a potential multimedia franchise that also included films, TV series, comics, music, etc. However, for the collaboration to work, it was essential to identify a partner that met specific needs.
Kojima Productions needs someone to provide technical support for playtesting, marketing, etc. The choice, not by chance, fell on Xbox, which was already cooperating with the studio for OD. Kojima claims there is a common vision with Xbox and was impressed by the technology that Microsoft can provide him. Curiously, the use of Unreal Engine was not confirmed for Physint, despite it appearing a logical choice in the current context.
Jason Schreier's Backstory
Jason Schreier, a journalist who closely followed the matter and clarified the reasons that led to Sony's grand refusal, reveals a backstory that clashes with Kojima's version. In a message, Schreier states that Sony and Kojima Productions had already been in negotiations for some time regarding the future of Physint, so the unhappy outcome reached could not have been entirely unexpected.