Hideo Kojima Says Sony Dropped PHYSINT During a Zoom Call and Gave No Reason
Xbox Game Studios is publishing Hideo Kojima's action-espionage title Physint after PlayStation Studios abruptly cancelled the project in June 2026. PlayStation ended its partnership originating in 2024 during a Zoom call without providing a reason to the developer. Despite losing its publishing partner, Kojima maintains professional relations with Sony and recently visited company headquarters in Tokyo. Meanwhile, no platform or release date is confirmed for the game. PlayStation also faces separate backlash regarding plans to end physical PlayStation game discs by 2028.
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- ✓ Xbox Game Studios will publish Hideo Kojima's Physint after PlayStation Studios abruptly cancelled the project, ending a partnership dating back to 2024.
- ✓ PlayStation withdrew from Hideo Kojima's Physint in June 2026.
What changed
Xbox Game Studios officially took over publishing duties for Physint following PlayStation Studios abruptly cancelling the project in June 2026.
Live updates
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Xbox Publishes Physint After PlayStation Cancels Project
Xbox Game Studios is publishing Hideo Kojima's action-espionage title Physint after PlayStation Studios abruptly cancelled the project in June 2026. PlayStation ended its partnership originating in 2024 during a Zoom call without providing a reason to the developer. Despite losing its publishing partner, Kojima maintains professional relations with Sony and recently visited company headquarters in Tokyo. Meanwhile, no platform or release date is confirmed for the game. PlayStation also faces separate backlash regarding plans to end physical PlayStation game discs by 2028.
Why it matters
The cancellation by PlayStation shifts a high-profile game from Sony to a rival publisher, though developer Hideo Kojima maintains working ties in Tokyo. Kojima is known for creating the Metal Gear franchise and Death Stranding. Sony faces separate industry scrutiny over a reported 2028 decision to end physical game discs.
What is confirmed
- Xbox Game Studios will publish Hideo Kojima's Physint after PlayStation Studios abruptly cancelled the project, ending a partnership dating back to 2024.
- PlayStation withdrew from Hideo Kojima's Physint in June 2026.
Still unconfirmed
- Sony terminated the Physint partnership during a June Zoom call without offering a reason.
- Hideo Kojima visited Sony headquarters in Tokyo, suggesting a stable rapport despite the partnership loss.
- No platform or release date is confirmed for Physint under Xbox.
- Sony plans to end physical PlayStation game discs by 2028.
What to watch next
- Official announcements from Xbox Game Studios regarding release dates or platform availability for Physint.
- Further statements from Hideo Kojima or Sony clarifying the status of their ongoing professional relationship.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (8)
- en.wikipedia.org — Hideo Kojima - Wikipedia
- www.tweaktown.com — PlayStation 6 Hub - Tech News, Reviews & Guides | TweakTown
- www.gadgetreview.com — PlayStation Unexpectedly Canceled Hideo Kojima's New Game ...
- www.thetechedvocate.org — Sony Ends Physical PlayStation Games by 2028: An Era’s Close
- finance.yahoo.com — Backlash to Sony ending PS5 discs comes from a "vocal ...
- www.dualshockers.com — Kojima Thinks You're Being Dramatic When You Call Death ...
- www.youtube.com — Kojima’s Physint: Sony’s Loss or Xbox’s Mistake? - YouTube
- vgkami.com — PHYSINT: Why PlayStation Dropped Kojima’s Game and Xbox Took Over
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Kojima maintains Sony ties after Physint publisher shift to Xbox
Hideo Kojima continues professional relations with Sony despite the company ending its collaboration on the action-espionage title Physint. Sony terminated the partnership during a June Zoom call without offering a reason. Development of the game now proceeds under Xbox Game Studios. Kojima recently visited Sony headquarters in Tokyo, an appearance that suggests a stable rapport between the developer and the company despite the loss of their publishing partner.
Why it matters
Physint serves as a spiritual successor to the Metal Gear Solid series. The shift to Xbox Game Studios forces a separation between Kojima's new spy project and the identity of the Metal Gear Solid franchise.
What is confirmed
- Sony ended its collaboration on Physint during a June Zoom call without providing a reason.
- Physint is currently under development by Xbox Game Studios.
- Hideo Kojima visited Sony headquarters in Tokyo.
Still unconfirmed
- Kojima is posting cryptic photos with Sony.
What to watch next
- Official statement from Sony regarding the termination of the Physint partnership
- Release date or gameplay reveal for Physint under Xbox Game Studios
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- gamerant.com — Kojima's New Spy Game Means Metal Gear Solid Can't Play It Safe Anymore
- ixbt.games — Hideo Kojima visited Sony headquarters despite rumors of a ...
- tech.yahoo.com — Hideo Kojima is still posting cryptic photos with Sony ...
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Hideo Kojima visits Sony City following Physint publisher shift
Hideo Kojima recently visited Sony City in Tokyo wearing a Joy Division T-shirt, an appearance that reduced speculation about damaged relations between the developer and Sony. PlayStation ended its collaboration on the action-espionage title Physint during a June Zoom call without providing a reason. Development of the game continues under Xbox Game Studios as a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid. While the visit suggests a professional rapport remains, Kojima Productions previously dismissed unauthorized claims regarding the details of the publisher change.
Why it matters
The shift from Sony to Xbox Game Studios for Physint marks a significant change in partnership for Kojima Productions. This project aims to revive the action-espionage genre. The visit to Sony City serves as a public signal regarding the current state of the relationship between the two entities.
What is confirmed
- Hideo Kojima visited Sony City in Tokyo wearing a Joy Division T-shirt.
- PlayStation ended its collaboration on Physint during a June Zoom call.
- Physint is in development at Xbox Game Studios as a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid.
Still unconfirmed
- The visit to Sony City was intended to mirror Johnny Silverhand's attack on Arasaka Tower.
What to watch next
- Official statements from Sony regarding the end of the Physint collaboration
- Release date or gameplay reveals for Physint under Xbox Game Studios
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- sea.ign.com — Hideo Kojima Wears Joy Division T-Shirt to Sony Visit ...
- me.ign.com — Hideo Kojima's Sony Visit Sparks Joy Division Buzz UAE - IGN
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Hideo Kojima Visits Sony After Physint Publisher Switch
Game director Hideo Kojima recently visited Sony City in Tokyo while wearing a Joy Division T-shirt, despite PlayStation ending its collaboration on the action-espionage game Physint during a June Zoom call. Social media posts from the visit quieted internet speculation that relations between the studio and Sony turned frosty following the publisher change. Kojima Productions previously clarified that unauthorized claims regarding the publisher switch lacked official sources. Physint continues development under Xbox Game Studios as a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid.
Why it matters
The surprise publisher shift from PlayStation to Xbox created intense speculation across the gaming community regarding the future of the action-espionage project and the partnership between the studio and Sony. Kojima visited Sony City in Tokyo to demonstrate that professional ties remain intact despite the abrupt cancellation of the original agreement. Kojima Productions urged fans to maintain skepticism toward unofficial claims surrounding the transition.
What is confirmed
- Hideo Kojima visited Sony City in Tokyo while wearing a Joy Division T-shirt.
- Physint continues development under Xbox Game Studios after Sony ended its involvement.
- Kojima Productions advised the public to treat unverified claims regarding the publisher change with skepticism.
Still unconfirmed
- Relations between Hideo Kojima and Sony became frosty due to the PlayStation decision to drop Physint.
What to watch next
- Official gameplay footage or release window details for Physint from Xbox Game Studios
- Further statements from Kojima Productions regarding the project's development milestones
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- news.instant-gaming.com — Hideo Kojima visited Sony despite the end of their ...
- www.ign.com — Hideo Kojima Wears Joy Division T-Shirt to Sony Visit - IGN
- www.animenewsnetwork.com — Kojima Productions Issues Statement Amid Speculation on ...
- www.theclick.gg — Is PHYSINT Cancelled? Current Status Explained - The Click
- guslok.com — Hideo Kojima visits Sony after the PHYSINT case - guslok.com
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Hideo Kojima Details PHYSINT Following Sony Publishing Exit
Game director Hideo Kojima used his Koji10 podcast to provide development details for the action-espionage game Physint following its publisher switch to Xbox Game Studios. Physint functions as a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid, though Kojima noted the title will explore a different type of spy action than the Metal Gear franchise. The project landed at Microsoft after Sony dropped the agreement during a June Zoom call without providing an explanation to the studio.
Why it matters
The return of the Koji10 podcast after a year-long hiatus provides the first detailed public accounting of how the high-profile action-espionage project shifted between major platform holders. Physint represents one of two active projects Kojima is developing in partnership with Xbox alongside the game OD. Sony stepped away from publishing duties abruptly during a digital meeting before Microsoft assumed control.
What is confirmed
- Hideo Kojima announced that Physint will be a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid during his Koji10 podcast.
- Xbox Game Studios took over publishing duties for Physint after Sony stepped away from the project.
- Hideo Kojima stated that Physint will explore a different kind of spy action from Metal Gear.
Still unconfirmed
- Sony cancelled the Physint publishing agreement during a June Zoom call without offering any explanation to the studio.
What to watch next
- Live-action filming for Physint scheduled for next year
- Additional casting announcements regarding Bill Skarsgard
- Further production updates from Xbox Game Studios or Hideo Kojima
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.tbsnews.net — Hideo Kojima shares new updates about Physint
- ashdrowgaming.com — Hideo Kojima's PHYSINT — Did Sony Make a Mistake?
- www.toy-people.com — "Physint" Begins Live-Action Filming Next Year: Hideo Kojima ...
- www.thesixthaxis.com — Bill Skarsgård with star in Hideo Kojima’s PHYSINT
- www.duckittech.com — Kojima Says PHYSINT Will Be Different From Metal Gear as Xbox ...
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Hideo Kojima Discusses Physint Switch From Sony to Xbox
Game director Hideo Kojima used his Koji10 podcast to discuss the high-profile publisher switch of his upcoming action-espionage game Physint from Sony to Xbox. Physint serves as a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid and will take a different path from the Metal Gear franchise. Kojima also shared casting, story, and development updates for the next-generation title during the podcast broadcast. The project previously moved to Microsoft after Sony abruptly cancelled the agreement during a June Zoom call without offering any explanation to the studio.
Why it matters
The cancellation by Sony abruptly ended a twenty-eight-year partnership between Kojima and PlayStation. Microsoft gaming division head Asa Sharma previously laughed when asked by journalists for an apology directed at PlayStation over the Xbox acquisition. Xbox funded the game for substantially less than typical premium titles, though Kojima Productions has experienced internal layoffs during development.
What is confirmed
- Hideo Kojima addressed the publisher switch of Physint from Sony to Xbox on the Koji10 podcast.
- Physint is an upcoming next-generation action-espionage game and spiritual successor to Metal Gear.
- Hideo Kojima stated that Physint will take a different path from Metal Gear.
Still unconfirmed
- Bill is confirmed as the lead actor for Physint.
What to watch next
- Further casting announcements regarding the lead actor for Physint
- Additional development updates from Kojima Productions regarding the Metal Gear spiritual successor
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.ign.com — Physint Update: Hideo Kojima Shares New Info on His Upcoming Metal Gear Spiritual Successor
- www.archyde.com — Hideo Kojima discusses PHYSINT publisher switch from Sony to ...
- nextgengamingblog.com — Kojima Says PHYSINT Will Break From Metal Gear
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Xbox Gaming Chief Laughs at PlayStation Apology Demand Over Physint
Microsoft gaming division head Asa Sharma laughed when journalists asked for an apology directed at PlayStation regarding the acquisition of Hideo Kojima's Physint. Xbox funded the upcoming action-espionage game for substantially less than typical premium titles. The project moved to Microsoft after Sony abruptly cancelled it during a June Zoom call without providing an explanation. This sudden decision ended a twenty-eight-year partnership between Kojima and PlayStation. Despite securing a new publisher with Xbox, Kojima Productions has faced internal layoffs as development continues on the Metal Gear spiritual successor.
Why it matters
The transition of Physint to Microsoft marks a significant shift in the gaming industry, dissolving a nearly three-decade alliance between Hideo Kojima and PlayStation. Analysts indicate that Sony may have dropped the project to prioritize a new Uncharted title in Naughty Dog's development pipeline. Meanwhile, Microsoft secured the game at a relative discount compared to standard high-end production costs.
What is confirmed
- Xbox funded Hideo Kojima's action-espionage game Physint for substantially less than Xbox typically spends to develop a premium game.
- Sony unexpectedly dropped Physint during a Zoom call in June without providing a reason.
- The cancellation severed Kojima's twenty-eight-year relationship with PlayStation.
- Kojima Productions faced layoffs despite securing a rescue from Xbox.
- Journalists asked Asa Sharma, the head of Microsoft's gaming division, to apologize to PlayStation for luring the creator to Xbox, to which Sharma simply laughed.
Still unconfirmed
- Sony may have dropped Physint because a new Uncharted game entered Naughty Dog's pipeline.
What to watch next
- Official gameplay reveals or release timelines for Physint from Xbox or Kojima Productions.
- Further statements from PlayStation executives regarding the termination of the project.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- windows.gadgethacks.com — Hideo Kojima Physint Moves to Xbox: What's Confirmed
- ixbt.games — Xbox's Deal with Hideo Kojima for Physint Was Cheaper Than a ...
- tech.yahoo.com — Physint Update: Hideo Kojima Shares New Info on His Upcoming Metal Gear Spiritual Successor
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Microsoft Snapped Up Kojima's Physint After Sony Canceled It
Microsoft is funding Hideo Kojima's action-espionage game Physint for substantially less than Xbox typically spends to develop a premium game. The project was rescued by Xbox after Sony unexpectedly dropped it during a Zoom call in June without providing a reason. This abrupt cancellation severed Kojima's twenty-eight-year relationship with PlayStation and forced Kojima Productions to seek a new publishing partner. Despite the rescue from Xbox, Kojima Productions still faces layoffs. Meanwhile, analysis suggests Sony may have dropped Physint as a new Uncharted entered Naughty Dog's pipeline.
Why it matters
The sudden collapse of the Sony partnership ended a nearly three-decade alliance between PlayStation and Hideo Kojima. Microsoft stepped in to secure publishing duties, saving the action-espionage game from outright cancellation. The deal comes at a bargain price compared to typical Xbox premium game budgets, though financial pressures remain apparent at the studio.
What is confirmed
- Microsoft is funding Hideo Kojima's Physint for substantially below what Xbox would typically spend to develop a premium game.
- Sony dropped Physint during a Zoom call in June without providing a reason.
- Xbox secured publishing duties for the title, ending a 28-year relationship between Kojima and PlayStation.
Still unconfirmed
- Sony dropped Physint because a new Uncharted game entered Naughty Dog's development pipeline.
What to watch next
- Official statements from Sony regarding the cancellation of Physint.
- Further details on layoffs at Kojima Productions.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.ign.com — Microsoft Snapped Up Hideo Kojima's Physint for 'Substantially Below What Xbox Would Typically Spend to D....
- poptopic.com.au — Did Sony Drop PHYSINT to Fund Uncharted? - poptopic.com.au
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Xbox Funds Kojima's Physint After Sony Drops Project
Microsoft is funding Hideo Kojima's action-espionage game Physint for significantly less than a reported $400 million asking price after Sony dropped the project during a Zoom call in June. Sony walked away without providing a reason, cutting funding and leaving Kojima Productions to seek a new partner. Xbox stepped in to secure publishing duties, ending Kojima's 28-year relationship with PlayStation. While Xbox's rescue saved the title from cancellation, the studio still faces layoffs.
Why it matters
The transition marks a massive shift in the gaming industry as Kojima moves away from PlayStation to partner with Xbox in 2026. The abrupt cancellation by Sony threatened the survival of Kojima Productions and placed jobs at risk before Microsoft intervened. Financial figures surrounding the new Xbox publishing agreement remain disputed.
What is confirmed
- Sony dropped funding for Hideo Kojima's Physint during a Zoom call in June.
- Xbox agreed to fund Physint for significantly less than Sony's reported $400 million ask.
- Hideo Kojima has ended a 28-year relationship with Sony and moved to Xbox for the game's release in 2026.
Still unconfirmed
- Physint had a total budget of $400 million before Sony walked away from the project.
- Layoffs are happening at Kojima Productions despite the rescue deal by Xbox.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the exact financial figures tied to the Xbox publishing agreement.
- Updates regarding potential job losses or restructuring at Kojima Productions.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- wccftech.com — Sony Reportedly Balked at PHYSINT's Ballooning Budget, but ...
- gagadget.com — Xbox paid a "fraction" of Sony's $400M ask for Physint — but ...
- www.noobfeed.com — Kojima Clarifies Physint Early Tech Stage & Exclusivity Plan
- unixgaming.org — Kojima Leaves PlayStation for Xbox After 28 Yrs [2026]
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Xbox Rescues Kojima's Physint After Sony Zoom Cancellation
Microsoft has taken over publishing duties for Hideo Kojima's action-espionage game Physint after Sony abruptly canceled the project during a Zoom call. The sudden funding termination threatened the survival of Kojima Productions and placed studio jobs at risk. Despite the abrupt cutoff, Kojima stated he harbors no ill will toward Sony, attributing the decision to industry challenges and leadership changes. Xbox stepped in to secure Microsoft's support and keep the project alive, though financial figures tied to the new deal remain disputed.
Why it matters
Sony initially partnered with Kojima Productions on Physint before cutting ties over internal profitability, budget concerns, and intellectual property rights disputes. The commercial performance of Death Stranding also acted as a catalyst in PlayStation's decision to pull funding. The sudden reversal brought Kojima's independent Tokyo studio close to financial collapse before the new publishing agreement emerged.
What is confirmed
- Sony canceled its collaboration with Kojima Productions on the game Physint during a Zoom call.
- The cancellation by Sony placed jobs at Kojima's independent Tokyo studio at risk and brought the developer close to financial difficulties.
- Xbox took over publishing duties for Physint, securing Microsoft's support to continue the project.
- Hideo Kojima expressed no ill will toward Sony despite the abrupt decision.
Still unconfirmed
- Sony pulled out of the Physint project because of internal profitability, budget concerns, and commercial performance issues tied to Death Stranding, according to a report by Bloomberg's Jason Schreier.
- Sony ended the partnership over conflicts regarding intellectual property rights and funding.
- Xbox's budget for the Physint deal sits around $400 million, though that figure is disputed.
What to watch next
- Official financial details and budget confirmations regarding the Xbox publishing deal for Physint
- Further statements from Kojima Productions regarding studio operations and development timelines
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.levelup.com — “I Love Sony and I Don’t Have Any Bad Feelings ... - LevelUp
- outrungaming.com — PlayStation dropped Kojima project PHYSINT over budget ...
- www.techpowerup.com — Xbox's PHYSINT Deal Reportedly Cost ... - TechPowerUp
- www.gamescreed.com — Kojima Productions and PlayStation Face Fallout Over ...
- www.therebelyellow.com — Hideo Kojima says Sony fired him over Zoom without explaining why
- ixbt.games — Sony abandoned Physint due to huge budget. What is known ...
- attractmo.de — Why Sony Cancelled Hideo Kojima's Physint Game
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Hideo Kojima says Sony canceled PHYSINT via Zoom without explanation
Hideo Kojima revealed that Sony canceled the project PHYSINT during a Zoom call without providing a reason. Kojima stated his immediate concern was the survival of his studio after Sony pulled funding, which brought Kojima Productions close to collapse. While the studio has disputed reports that it is currently in trouble, Kojima noted that whether PHYSINT becomes an Xbox exclusive now depends on Xbox. The developer detailed these events in interviews with IGN and The Washington Post.
Why it matters
PHYSINT is a project developed by Kojima Productions. The sudden loss of Sony's financial backing threatened the operational stability of the studio.
What is confirmed
- Sony canceled PHYSINT during a Zoom call.
- Sony provided no reason for the cancellation.
- Sony pulled funding for PHYSINT.
- Hideo Kojima spoke about the split in interviews with IGN and The Washington Post.
Still unconfirmed
- The studio came close to collapse after Sony's exit.
What to watch next
- Official announcement regarding a new publishing partner for PHYSINT
- Confirmation of an exclusivity deal with Xbox
- Formal response from Sony regarding the cancellation
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- The Washington Post — Hideo Kojima explains the surprise split with Sony
- 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
- Kotaku — Hideo Kojima Says Sony Canceled Physint Over A Zoom Call And Claims He Still Doesn't Know The Reason Why
- tweaktown.com — Kojima Productions responds to report claiming why PlayStation ditched Hideo Kojima and PHYSINT
- theverge.com — Kojima Productions disputes reports the studio is in trouble
- TechPowerUp — Hideo Kojima Says Sony Dropped PHYSINT During a Zoom Call and Gave No Reason
- VGChartz — Hideo Kojima Says It is Up to Xbox if Physint Will be an Xbox Exclusive
- www.invenglobal.com — Hideo Kojima details how PHYSINT survived Sony's exit
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