Hideo Kojima Has an Amazing Idea for a 'Forgetting Game' Where the Main Character Gradually Forgets Important Information and Abilities if You Take Too Long a Break From Playing

Hideo Kojima's Japanese radio podcast, KOJI10, offers fans a deep dive into the creative mind behind iconic games like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding. In the latest episode (Episode 17), Kojima delves into the fascinating concept of integrating real-world time into video game mechanics, providing insights into both implemented and unimplemented ideas. Notably, he discusses a scrapped concept from the much-anticipated Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.

Kojima is well-known for his innovative use of real-time mechanics, as demonstrated in 2004's Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater for the PS2. In this game, the realism of surviving in the jungle is heightened by the spoilage of fresh food over real-life days. Consuming spoiled food can cause Snake to become violently ill, or players can creatively use it as a weapon by throwing it at enemy soldiers. Another example from the same game is the strategic use of the system clock during the battle with the elderly sniper, The End. If players wait a week in real time before resuming the game, they will find The End dead of old age, showcasing Kojima's unique approach to gameplay.

Death Stranding 2 Cast

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Kojima also shared a concept he considered for Death Stranding 2, where protagonist Sam's beard would grow over time, requiring players to shave it to keep him looking tidy. However, this idea was ultimately scrapped due to concerns about the appearance of actor Norman Reedus. Despite this, Kojima remains open to incorporating such mechanics in future projects.

During the podcast, Kojima introduced three new game concepts centered around real-time progression. The first is a life simulation game where players start as children and age over time, facing enemies at different life stages. As characters age, their physical abilities decline, but their knowledge and experience grow, affecting strategic gameplay. Despite Kojima's humorous remark that "no-one would buy it," the concept received positive feedback from his co-hosts.

Another concept involves a game where players cultivate items like wine or cheese, necessitating long-term engagement. This could function as a background or idle game, appealing to players who enjoy gradual development. In contrast, Kojima's third idea is a "forgetting game" where the protagonist loses important skills and memories if the player doesn't play regularly. This mechanic would pressure players to engage frequently, with the risk of the character becoming immobile due to memory loss if neglected too long.

As fans eagerly await the release of Death Stranding 2 on June 26, they can look forward to more innovative gameplay mechanics. For more details on the upcoming title, be sure to check out our interview with Kojima and our impressions after playing through the first 30 hours.