Hideo Kojima was taken by surprise when Sony decided to cancel funding for Physint, a project he believed to be their biggest-selling title.
Kojima expressed his confusion, stating that he had thought Sony Interactive Entertainment and his studio had a solid agreement to collaborate on the game. The sudden change left him shocked and unsure of how to proceed without causing distress to his team.
Following the unexpected notice from PlayStation Studios in June, Kojima announced the potential risk of his independent studio collapsing without funding. This led him to seek a new partnership to ensure the studio’s survival and support for independent developers.
Fortunately, Kojima Productions found a new partner in Xbox, which also took on the production of their upcoming horror title OD. Despite the shift, there were no layoffs, and the team continued working on Physint alongside the new project.
While Sony did not provide a specific reason for the funding cut, reports suggested that missed deadlines and budget overruns for Physint played a role. Additionally, revenue expectations from previous titles like Death Stranding were not met, contributing to the decision.
Kojima Productions addressed the situation by emphasizing the studio’s healthy and profitable state, reassuring fans that development on Physint with Xbox was progressing well. They also clarified that their relationship with Sony remained intact, highlighting the complexities of corporate partnerships.
Despite the challenges, Kojima remained committed to completing Physint, noting the progress in the game’s concept, 3D models, and engine testing. He emphasized the importance of honoring commitments to actors and collaborators, drawing from past experiences like PT to drive his dedication to the project.