Rumors about Hideo Kojima collaborating withXboxfor an unannounced project have been around ever since eagle-eyed fans noticed a Ludens figure next to the glowing Xbox logo on Phil Spencer’s shelf. This rumor was fueled even more by a report from GamesBeat in which notable game journalist Jeff Grubb claimed that Kojima is indeed in talks withXboxto publish his next game.
Over the course of the year, Xbox fans have learned to keep an eye on Phil Spencer’s shelf, as there are plenty of objects deliberately placed that tease future announcements. For instance, the cheaper and less powerful variant of Xbox’s next generation of console, Xbox Series S, was tucked away inSpencer’s bookshelf on the July 1st, 2020 episode of Gamelab Keynote Fireside. Hence, when fans noticed a Ludens figure, the mascot of Kojima Productions, next to a glowing logo of Xbox, many believed that to be yet another deal Xbox has gotten itself this year.
RELATED: Xbox Could Publish Hideo Kojima’s Next Game
Interestingly, Grubb has shed more light on this alleged collaboration that has yet to be officially confirmed. In the latest episode of his podcast Jeff Grubb’s Game Mess, Grubb revealed that he confirmed the news with his source and thateverything placed on Spencer’s shelf is intentional, even the Nintendo Switch, though he isn’t sure of what that signifies currently. Grubb further added that he verified the news with one another source before revealing that information publicly.
WithSony seemingly moving away from investing in smaller titlesthat involve more risk to focus on curating its existing popular franchises, such a deal makes even more sense. It’s no surprise thatDeath Strandingwasn’t as big of a commercial hit as Sony’s other AAA titles likeGod of War, orMarvel’s Spider-Man. For Kojima to continue making innovative experiences that alter the mere definition of video games, Xbox and Xbox game pass seems like an ideal fit at this point in time.
