Kojima Says OD Will Be Unlike Any Horror Game Before It

Kojima Outlines How OD Breaks From Conventional Horror

Kojima Productions is in one of its busiest periods to date. With Death Stranding 2: On the Beach competing across major categories at The Game Awards 2025, Hideo Kojima is also developing two other large projects: Physint, a narrative espionage title created with Sony, and OD, a mysterious horror experience built in partnership with Xbox.

Until now, the former has been teased only through cryptic video clips, most notably the September 2025 “Knock” trailer. Kojima is finally offering a small glimpse into what makes the project stand apart.

In a recent interview with ananweb (via Automaton), Kojima said that OD will be “different” from any horror game currently available. He explained that the project diverges sharply from established genre frameworks and that its foundations are entirely new. Kojima added that the concept is so experimental he is unsure whether it will function in practice, emphasising the degree of creative risk involved.

He contrasted this horror game with Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding. While both titles introduced unusual ideas at launch, they still worked within recognisable gameplay structures such as stealth action or open-world exploration. This title, in contrast, is built on somthing entirely new.

“I can’t say exactly what it is yet, nor do I know if it will work out. We’ve created stealth games and delivery games which were unlike anything before, but system-wise, they were similar to other games. This time, we’re trying to change the service model from the ground up, so it should be quite challenging. We’ve packed the trailer full of hints, so if you keep thinking about it, you might figure it out.”
Hideo Kojima

OD’s Trailer May Already Contain Clues

Kojima believes attentive viewers can already infer the project’s direction by analysing the most recent teaser. He noted that the trailer contains deliberate hints about how OD is meant to work and what kind of experience it aims to create. His comments echo a familiar pattern in Kojima’s creative process, where misdirection and symbolism are often used to conceal details while encouraging speculation.

This ambiguity has led many fans to theorise about the game’s structure. One of the most popular theories suggests that his latest creation may adopt an anthology-style release structure, similar to Black Mirror, with each instalment directed by a different creator. Kojima and filmmaker Jordan Peele have long been rumoured to lead their own entries. Other horror directors may join the project if the speculation proves accurate, which would align with Kojima’s interest in blending game design with cinematic storytelling.

Kojima did not confirm or deny any of these theories. He reiterated only that OD is still early in development and that the project’s ambition makes it difficult to communicate traditional gameplay or release expectations. The studio intends for the teaser to serve as a breadcrumb trail for dedicated followers.

Remains Without a Release Window

Despite the increased clarity, there is still no confirmed release window. Xbox continues to support the project, but neither party has detailed its launch strategy. Given Kojima’s comments, the game may rely on experimental formats that take longer to refine and test.

For now, fans will continue to pore over the existing trailers and interviews in search of clues. Kojima and his team are treating OD as a significant creative departure, and the coming months may determine just how radical the project truly is.