Kojima Productions’ 2024: A Year of Milestones and setbacks
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2024 proved to be a year of both significant strides and unforeseen hurdles for Kojima Productions. While the studio made considerable headway on highly anticipated projects, the impact of the SAG-AFTRA strike presented challenges that impacted production timelines.
“2024 is a year full of challenges and rewards for Kojima Productions,” stated a representative from the studio. “We have made significant progress in the development of ‘Death Stranding 2‘, including the release of the second trailer, ADR recording of actors, music production and recording, as well as Japanese dubbing work. This summer,we officially entered the internal testing and construction phase of the game. In addition, we returned to the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) for the first time in five years to hold a stage event.”
beyond the sequel to their critically acclaimed title, Kojima Productions also actively developed “OD,” a project shrouded in mystery. However,the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike significantly impacted their progress.“However,due to the SAG strike,scanning and filming were suspended in the second half of the year,and the casting of ’Physint’ was also interrupted,” the representative explained. “We look forward to successfully restarting these programs next year.”
The year wasn’t solely focused on game development. Hideo Kojima himself remained prolific, continuing his work on various essays and radio programs.He also launched “HideoTube,” a special program, and contributed to the “Hidemys 2024” book fair. Furthermore, exciting developments are underway in the film industry. “The live-action film adaptation of ‘Death Stranding’ and other adaptation projects in cooperation with A24 have entered the planning stage, and I have officially signed with WME,” the statement concluded. A “Death Stranding” exhibition, currently in Shibuya PARCO, is slated to tour Nagoya and Osaka in 2025.
“Looking to the future, we will continue to work hard and look forward to bringing more surprises and touches to players. Thank you all for your support in 2024!” the statement concluded, offering a hopeful outlook for the coming year.
The impact of the SAG-AFTRA strike serves as a reminder of the challenges facing the entertainment industry, highlighting the interconnectedness of Hollywood and the global gaming landscape. The delays experienced by Kojima Productions underscore the broader implications of these labor disputes on major projects.
Kojima Productions, the renowned studio led by Hideo Kojima, saw a year of both triumphs and tribulations in 2024. While making notable strides on future projects, the studio was forced to contend with the hurdles posed by the SAG-AFTRA strike, ultimately impacting production timelines. Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Sarah Thompson, sat down with industry analyst, Mark Jackson, to discuss the highs and lows of Kojima Productions’ 2024.
Nearing Completion: “Death Stranding 2”
Sarah Thompson: Mark, Kojima Productions has been relatively tight-lipped about “Death Stranding 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to their critically acclaimed title. What do we certainly know about the game’s progress?
mark Jackson: While details remain scarce, it’s clear Kojima productions has been making notable progress. the studio released a second trailer, which offered glimpses into the game’s haunting atmosphere and intriguing narrative. They’ve also confirmed completion of ADR recording, music production, and Japanese dubbing. Entering internal testing and construction this summer is a significant step forward, indicating the game might be nearing the finishing line.
“OD”: An Enigmatic Project Delayed
Sarah Thompson: in addition to “death Stranding 2,” Kojima Productions is also developing a shrouded-in-mystery project titled “OD.” What can you tell us about this rather secretive endeavor?
Mark Jackson: “OD” is truly an enigma. We know very little about its gameplay, story, or even genre. However, Kojima Productions has been quite open about the project facing setbacks due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Scanning and filming were halted in the latter half of the year, and casting for “Physint” was interrupted. Thankfully, the studio remains optimistic about resuming these aspects of development in 2025.
Beyond Games: Kojima’s Expanding Horizons
Sarah Thompson: Kojima Productions appears to be branching out beyond conventional video game development. Can you elaborate on Hideo Kojima’s pursuits outside of gaming?
Mark Jackson: Hideo Kojima himself remains incredibly prolific. He’s continued his work on various essays and radio programs, and launched “HideoTube,” a special program. This year also saw him contribute to the “Hidemys 2024” book fair. Kojima Productions is clearly committed to expanding its creative footprint.
Film Adaptations and Global Exhibitions
Sarah Thompson: The film adaptation of “Death Stranding” has been generating buzz. What’s the latest on this project,and any other adaptations in the works?
Mark Jackson: The live-action “Death Stranding” film adaptation,along with other projects developed in collaboration with A24,are officially in the planning stage. Kojima has even signed with WME, a prominent talent agency. this indicates serious commitment to bringing these worlds to the big screen.
Additionally, a “Death Stranding” exhibition, currently hosted at shibuya PARCO, is slated to tour Nagoya and Osaka in 2025, further showcasing the cultural impact of the franchise.
The Impact of the SAG-AFTRA Strike
Sarah Thompson: The SAG-AFTRA strike undeniably had an impact on Kojima Productions. How significant were these repercussions?
Mark Jackson: The strike demonstrated the interconnectedness of Hollywood and the global gaming landscape. While “Death Stranding 2” seemingly weathered the storm, “OD” was more directly affected, highlighting the broader implications of such labor disputes on major projects. The delays experienced by Kojima Productions serve as a reminder of the complex challenges facing the entertainment industry today.
