Hideo Kojima Sees Creating Together with AI as the Way to Stay One Step Ahead in the Future
Legendary game creator Hideo Kojima, known for his groundbreaking work on the Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding series, recently shared his perspective on artificial intelligence and its role in creative development. In a short Instagram reel posted by Wired Japan and highlighted by Culture Crave, Kojima reflected on how AI will shape the future of content creation and why he views it as an ally rather than a threat.
“A lot of people use AI in creative work to come up with ideas, but I think of AI as more of a friend. Since I've been in the digital industry, I would lead the creative part and use AI to boost efficiency. I would like AI to handle the tedious tasks. That would lower cost and cut down on time. It's more like co-creating with AI instead of just using it. I see a future where I stay one step ahead; creating together with AI.”
— Hideo Kojima
Kojima’s statement stands out for its pragmatic and forward-thinking approach, focusing not on the controversy surrounding AI, but on its practical applications in creative industries. He envisions a future where human creativity remains the leading force, while AI serves as a collaborator, handling repetitive or time-consuming work to streamline production and reduce development costs.
This perspective is particularly relevant to the gaming industry, where the escalating costs and timelines of development have become a growing concern. As studios strive for higher fidelity, larger worlds, and more intricate storytelling, production complexity has surged to unsustainable levels. Kojima’s approach suggests that strategic use of AI could provide a solution by enabling creators to maintain artistic control while leveraging automation to manage efficiency and scalability.
Hideo Kojima has long been recognized for his willingness to embrace emerging technologies. His studio, Kojima Productions, continues to explore new frontiers in both storytelling and technology. Last month, Kojima announced a collaboration with Niantic Spatial to develop an Augmented Reality experience inspired by Death Stranding, expanding his creative reach beyond traditional console gaming.
Meanwhile, the studio is juggling multiple high-profile projects. Following the June 2025 release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach for PlayStation 5, Kojima Productions is actively working on OD, a psychological horror game being developed in partnership with Xbox Game Studios, as well as Physint, a new action espionage title in collaboration with PlayStation Studios, widely interpreted as a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid.
In addition to these games, Kojima Productions is also involved in the cinematic adaptation of the Death Stranding IP, with both a live-action film and an animated movie in production. These ventures demonstrate Kojima’s continued pursuit of merging storytelling, technology, and emotion across multiple mediums.
Kojima’s reflections on AI align seamlessly with his creative philosophy of pushing boundaries and embracing innovation. His mindset suggests that rather than fearing automation, creators can evolve alongside it, using AI as a collaborative partner to push the limits of imagination, efficiency, and expression.
As AI continues to reshape industries worldwide, Kojima’s perspective reinforces the idea that the future of creativity will depend not on resisting technology, but on learning to create together with it.
How do you feel about Kojima’s view on working hand in hand with AI in creative fields? Do you see it as the future of game development or a potential risk to originality? Share your thoughts below.
