Kojima Productions has released an official statement regarding reports and speculation surrounding the recent termination of its collaboration with Sony.
On September 20, Kojima Productions released a statement on X containing the studio's official stance, noting that various rumors and reports have continued regarding the change of publishing partner for PHYSINT.
Kojima Productions stated that while as a rule it refrains from commenting on unfounded speculation online, this situation involves various rumors and aspersions regarding its relationship with PlayStation, the commercial performance of the 'Death Stranding' franchise, as well as the production plans and investment scale for PHYSINT. The studio explained that such speculation and criticism are impacting not only the studio itself, but also fans, creative partners, and colleagues it has worked with over many years.
Kojima Productions urged caution regarding such articles and information, stating, "None of the claims written came from any official or on-the-record source." Explaining the background for releasing the statement, the studio added, "We determined that leaving the current situation caused by these articles unchecked could lead to a serious situation for the studio and potentially have a significant impact on multiple fronts."
The studio emphasized, "We want to reassure you all, for the record: the studio is in a healthy, profitable state, and development for PHYSINT is moving forward smoothly in collaboration with Xbox." It added that its relationship with PlayStation also remains strong and steadfast.
PHYSINT was originally a game being developed through a collaboration between Sony and Kojima Productions. However, Hideo Kojima revealed on September 10 that he had been notified of the project's cancellation by SIE in mid-June of this year. Kojima Productions subsequently spent about three months searching for a new partner before ultimately teaming up with Xbox to continue the development of PHYSINT. Neither Sony nor Kojima Productions has officially stated the specific reasons for ending their collaboration.
After the news of the ended collaboration with Sony broke, a wave of reports and analysis from major media outlets followed regarding the background behind the decision. Factors such as the commercial performance of the Death Stranding series, as well as PHYSINT's development costs, schedule, and profitability, were raised as potential influences on Sony's decision, triggering various interpretations. The latest statement appears to address those reports and the surrounding situation.
PHYSINT was first unveiled during State of Play in 2024. Hideo Kojima introduced PHYSINT as a next-generation action-espionage game that represents the culmination of his creative career. On September 17, Hideo Kojima personally appeared at the Xbox TGS 2026 Showcase to discuss the development status of both PHYSINT and OD.
