14 DAY TRIAL // It looks like Hideo Kojima the genius mind behind the Metal Gear Solid series wasn't too happy by the collaboration with Sony for the release of his latest game, Death Stranding. Or it could be that Microsoft's offer was much more appealing as Kojima is now said to have teamed up with the Redmond-based giant for a new Xbox game.
The report comes via VentureBeat's Jeff Grubb, who claims Microsoft and Hideo Kojima have already signed a letter of intent, which is usually meant to allow the parties to sketch out fundamental terms quickly before the definitive agreement is finalized.
Apparently, negotiations between Microsoft and Kojima went on for months, and it looks like a partnership is closer than ever. To ensure that Hideo Kojima's studio has everything it needs for its unannounced project, Microsoft has already begun hiring people specifically requested by Kojima.
For example, Microsoft hired Portal and Left 4 Dead developer Kim Swift last week to supervise partnerships for cloud-based games. According to VentureBeat's report, Microsoft hired Swift to help make Kojima's cloud game a reality.
Unfortunately, not much is know about Kojima's next game other than the fact that “the point of the partnership is to unlock the creativity of Kojima Productions using Microsoft's technology as opposed to greenlighting a specific pitch.”
From the quote above, it's safe to say that Kojima might have received a wild card from Microsoft, so he's free to do whatever he wants to do, using the giant's technology and financial resources.
It's unclear whether or not Kojima's studio will continue its collaboration with Sony in the long run, but in short term, the developer remains dedicated to the partnership at least until Death Stranding: Director's Cut is out on PlayStation 5.
Although fans are probably anxious to find out more about his next project, let's not forget that it usually takes many years for Kojima to figure out what his next game will be. Hopefully, the partnership with Microsoft will speed things up a bit.