Hideo Kojima Shares Disappointment with the Industry’s Creative Stagnation: "Too Many Games Look and Play the Same"
Legendary game creator Hideo Kojima has expressed disappointment with the current state of the video game industry, pointing out its increasing creative stagnation. In a recent interview with Ssense, Kojima reflected on the games showcased at this year’s Summer Game Fest and lamented that most of them seemed to revolve around the same repetitive themes, either fighting aliens or medieval monsters with very little visual or gameplay differentiation.
"Almost everything looked the same," Kojima observed. He noted that while many people enjoy these types of games, and there's nothing inherently wrong with them, the industry has reached a point where genuine innovation is rare. Kojima emphasized that "putting out something truly new" is what the industry needs most, a vision he’s long pursued in his own work, from Metal Gear Solid to the genre-defying Death Stranding series. In his view, this push toward originality is increasingly being championed only by indie developers, as larger studios often play it safe.
The interview also revealed that Kojima does not intend to play Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, the upcoming remake of the iconic third entry in the series he created. Kojima pointed out that the remake doesn’t significantly update the gameplay, reinforcing his view that the industry is leaning too heavily on nostalgia and safe design choices.
In discussing his creative philosophy, Kojima addressed past criticism for his intense involvement in every aspect of development—from scripting and directing to gameplay mechanics and world-building. He argued that this centralized approach allows him to maintain a consistent and powerful creative vision, in contrast to films, which follow a step-by-step production model. “Games can be built layer by layer, overlapping ideas,” he said, allowing for a richer and more integrated final product.
With Death Stranding 2: On the Beach now released, Kojima Productions is working on two ambitious projects: Physint, which promises a return to his roots in action-stealth gameplay reminiscent of Metal Gear Solid, and OD, an enigmatic game designed to be so divisive that players will "either love or hate it." Kojima is clear about one thing,he won’t be chasing popular opinion. “Reception won’t matter,” he stated confidently. “The legacy of my games will be defined in the future.”
His remarks come at a time when the industry is under scrutiny not just for creative fatigue, but also for widespread layoffs. Rumors suggest that over 300 developers may soon lose their jobs across various studios, further adding to concerns about the health and sustainability of the current development landscape.
Do you agree with Kojima's critique of the industry? What games do you think break the mold today? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
