Hideo Kojima's Japanese radio podcast, KOJI10, continues to offer fascinating insights into the mind behind iconic games like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding. In the latest episode, Episode 17, Kojima delves into the innovative use of real-life time passage in video games, reflecting on mechanics he has previously employed and sharing new concepts that have yet to see the light of day, including an idea initially intended for Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.
Kojima has a history of integrating players' console or PC internal clocks into gameplay mechanics, adding layers of realism and immersion. A prime example from 2004's Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater on the PS2 involves the spoilage of fresh food acquired in the game. Over real-life days, the food would spoil, and consuming it could severely impact Snake's health, or it could be repurposed as a weapon against unsuspecting enemy soldiers.
Death Stranding 2 Cast
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Another ingenious use of the system clock in MGS3 was during the cat-and-mouse boss battle with the elderly sniper, The End. Kojima recalls that if players waited a week before loading their in-battle save, they would witness a cutscene where Snake finds The End dead from old age.
In a revealing moment, Kojima discusses an unused concept for Death Stranding 2, where protagonist Sam's beard would grow over time, requiring players to shave it to maintain his appearance. However, this idea was scrapped due to concerns about star Norman Reedus appearing uncool. Kojima hints at potentially revisiting this mechanic in future projects.
Kojima also shared three intriguing game concepts centered around the passage of real-life time. The first is a life simulation game where players age from childhood to old age, impacting their physical abilities and strategic gameplay. Despite Kojima's humorous skepticism about its marketability, the podcast guests expressed enthusiasm for such a unique "Kojima-like" game.
Another concept involves creating items like wine or cheese that require long-term nurturing, suggesting a background or idle game format. Conversely, Kojima proposes a "forgetting game" where the protagonist loses skills and memories if the player takes breaks, forcing continuous play to avoid complete incapacitation—a humorous suggestion that players might need a week off to fully engage with it.
With the anticipation building for Death Stranding 2, set to release on June 26, fans are eager to see how Kojima's innovative ideas will shape the gaming experience. For more insights, don't miss our interview with Kojima and our impressions after playing through the first 30 hours of the upcoming game.
