Hideo Kojima explains the surprise split with Sony

Live updates

1. 42m ago

   Hideo Kojima partners with Xbox after Sony cancels Physint

   Hideo Kojima has transitioned to a partnership with Xbox following Sony's unexpected cancellation of his project, Physint. Kojima states Sony ended the publishing deal during a Zoom call without providing a reason, leaving him to question the future of his studio. While Kojima Productions maintains the studio is profitable and the relationship with Sony remains strong, Kojima expressed that his 30-year history with the company should have earned him an earlier warning. He previously believed Physint was too significant a commercial prospect to be at risk of cancellation.

   Why it matters

   Physint is a high-profile project from the creator of Metal Gear. The split marks a major shift in industry alliances between one of gaming's most prominent auteurs and the PlayStation platform.

   What is confirmed

   • Sony cancelled the development of Physint via a Zoom call without providing a reason.
   • Hideo Kojima has entered a partnership with Xbox.
   • Kojima Productions issued a statement claiming the studio is profitable and its relationship with Sony remains strong.
   • Kojima believes a 30-year relationship with Sony should have warranted an earlier warning regarding the cancellation.

   Still unconfirmed

   • PlayStation dropped Physint due to poor sales of Death Stranding and missed deadlines.
   • Physint was over budget and late on its deadline.

   What to watch next

   • Official confirmation from Xbox regarding the terms of the Physint partnership
   • Further clarification from Sony on the reasons for the cancellation
   • Updates on the development timeline for Physint under the new partnership
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. The Washington Post — Hideo Kojima explains the surprise split with Sony
   2. IGN — 'My First Thought Was, What Am I Going to Do With My Studio?' — Hideo Kojima Reveals What Happened With Sony in First Interview Since PlayStation Ditched Physint
   3. BusinessMirror — Hideo Kojima partners with Xbox after fallout with Sony on developing game Physint
   4. gameranx.com — "This Was A Surprise." - Gene Park Confirms Sony Cancelled PHYSINT On Hideo Kojima Without Prior Warning
   5. TheGamer — Kojima Says PlayStation Fallout Is Exaggerated, "Relationship Remains Strong"
   6. Mezha — PlayStation has dropped Hideo Kojima's Physint due to missed deadlines and poor sales of Death Stranding
   7. Video Games Chronicle — Kojima Productions asks players to treat report on why it switched from PlayStation to Xbox ‘with a dose of scepticism’
   8. Kotaku — Hideo Kojima Says Sony Canceled Physint Over A Zoom Call And Claims He Still Doesn't Know The Reason Why
   9. Inven Global — Kojima Productions Issues Official Statement: "Studio is Profitable, Relationship with Sony Remains Strong"
   10. tweaktown.com — Kojima Productions responds to report claiming why PlayStation ditched Hideo Kojima and PHYSINT
   11. Wccftech — Kojima Isn’t Fighting Sony Over Physint, but Reckons a 30-Year Relationship Should Have Warranted Him an Earlier Warning
   12. Eurogamer.net — Hideo Kojima responds to accusations of Physint being over budget and late on deadline, says he still "loves Sony" despite collapse of publishing deal
   confidence 90%