Kojima Productions reportedly in talks with Xbox to publish next project

The rumor mill is always turning, with talk of a new Hideo Kojima project now circulating, and involvement from Microsoft. Following up on the 2019 release of PlayStation launch exclusive, Death Stranding, speculation on Kojima Productions' new project has ignited, from helming a Silent Hill reimagining to a full Metal Gear Solid remake. But with a new report, it appears that things could possibly get crazier.

According to a new report from VentureBeat, via GamesBeat editor, Jeff Grubb, Kojima is currently in talks with Microsoft and its Xbox Game Studios publishing arm for its next game. The report states that this deal has not yet been closed, but rather an ongoing conversation between the two firms. This reportedly supplements Microsoft's initiative to leverage more Japanese developer talent across the Xbox ecosystem. This comes as Microsoft continues to expand its overseas presence, including Japanese content on Xbox systems and Xbox Game Pass.

Kojima's long-standing relationship with Sony comes from his beginnings at Konami, including its biggest deal to date with PlayStation for Death Stranding. That led to PlayStation's first-party studio Guerrilla Games providing not only essential development help on the project but also granted Kojima access to the studio's in-house Decima game engine. But at the same time, this comes Hideo Kojima, now heading an independent studio, with an established reputation in going against expectations.

Who knows, maybe those cryptic shelves behind Xbox head, Phil Spencer weren't for nothing.