Hideo Kojima Believes ‘There’s No Point In Making’ Video Games Until They Are Bringing A Certain Factor To Life

Hideo Kojima, the acclaimed game designer, is known for his groundbreaking works that have redefined interactive experiences in gaming. With iconic titles like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, Kojima has established himself as a master of narrative depth and innovation. His games not only offer immersive gameplay but also encourage players to explore complex emotional landscapes and societal themes.

In his book, The Creative Gene, Kojima shared insights into his life story and the journey that shaped him into becoming an acclaimed game designer. For him, the true essence of game design lies not in mere entertainment but in the game’s ability to create experiences that challenge players to explore new horizons, pushing the boundaries of what video games can convey.

Hideo Kojima’s Philosophy on Game Originality

Kojima’s work has always managed to grab players’ attention, thanks in part to his signature storytelling style that blends cinematic elements with interactive gameplay. In the Metal Gear Solid series, the narrative is filled with intricate plots that revolve around moral dilemmas, espionage tactics, and philosophical questions about war and technology.

Each installment in the series pushed the boundaries of conventional game design and introduced various mechanics that challenged players to think more strategically and ethically. This continued with his latest title, Death Stranding whose narrative was centered around connection and isolation, challenging players to experience unsettling situations and scenarios.

For Kojima, the games are a medium for players to experience things that are generally not possible in the real world. As mentioned in his book, The Creative Gene, he often draws inspiration from diverse sources, ranging from literature to film, which allows him to infuse his games with fresh and new perspectives. He also said in this book:

I want players to experience things that are only possible within video games and that have never been done before. Otherwise, there’s no point in making the game.

This statement shows that Kojima’s thinking is very different from other developers. While others will often follow trends or do what players usually enjoy, he prioritizes originality and creativity. He knows that by taking risks, there is a chance of failure but his dedication allows him to pursue his vision regardless.

An example of this unexpected inspiration is the plot of the Metal Gear Solid series, which was influenced by an obscure novel about street cats (Jennie, 1950), showcasing how he can even turn the most unexpected narratives into an immersive player’s experience.

Kojima is Innovating in a Stale Industry

While Kojima is known for exploring unknown territories in his games, the gaming industry is often unwilling to take risks and innovate. This has always bothered him, as he explained in his book that low-risk business strategies lead to a lack of cultural growth in the industry. His exact words were:

The future cannot be created through simple imitation of the memes other people made in the past.

This statement highlights his dedication to creating a better gaming experience. By saying this, he wants to inspire not only players but also fellow developers to pursue bold, original ideas. It is his willingness to embrace the unconventional that has solidified his status as a pioneer in the medium.

In Kojima’s mind, it is clear that video games should always aim to bring something new to the table and not repeat the previous experience. As players wait for the release of the sequel to Death Stranding, they are hoping to see him explore even more uncharted territories in game design.

In the end, as players get inspired to take risks, think differently, and embrace the unknown, they are hoping that other developers will also take a page from Kojima’s book and ignite their imagination.

What is your favorite Kojima title? Tell us in the comment section below.