Hideo Kojima’s Next Project Is an AR Game With Pokémon Go Creator

Hideo Kojima’s studio has announced a groundbreaking new project. Kojima Productions is collaborating with Niantic Spatial on an augmented reality experience. The reveal was made during the “Beyond The Strand” 10th-anniversary event livestream.

This partnership aims to blend Kojima’s signature narrative style with Niantic’s real-world AR technology. According to the announcement, the project will encourage players to connect with their physical environment in new ways.

Trailer Teases a Connected Real-World Adventure

The announcement was accompanied by a concept trailer titled “A New Dawn.” It opens with the song “Big Big World” by Astyria, setting an adventurous tone. The trailer’s core concept is described as moving “beyond the screen” in the near future.

It showcases prototype gameplay with AR effects overlaid on real-world locations. Scenes hint at scanning points of interest, similar to mechanics in Niantic’s previous games like Pokémon Go. A key visual involves bright yellow lights connecting across a map, suggesting a theme of linking separate locations.

Hideo Kojima directly addressed the project during the livestream. He stated that while details are scarce, the experience will feel like “Death Stranding in the real world.” The goal is to foster connections between people and their surroundings.

Blending Storytelling with Real-World Exploration

Niantic Spatial, the team behind global hits like Pokémon Go, brings its expertise in location-based gameplay. John Hanke, head of Niantic, expressed his vision for the collaboration. He hopes the project will create a compelling environment that brings people together through play and storytelling.

This project marks a significant new direction for Kojima Productions. The studio is simultaneously developing the highly anticipated horror title, OD. Industry analysts suggest this AR venture could tap into the growing market for immersive, real-world games.

The potential impact is significant for fans of both studios. It promises a unique fusion of Kojima’s deep, connective narratives and Niantic’s proven AR framework. No release window or specific platforms have been confirmed yet.

This new AR project represents a major step in blending digital worlds with physical reality. The collaboration between Kojima Productions and Niantic Spatial could redefine mobile gaming. Fans eagerly await more details on this innovative experience.

Dropping this nugget your way

Q1: What is the new Kojima Productions project about?

The project is an augmented reality experience developed with Niantic Spatial. It is described as being like “Death Stranding in the real world,” focusing on connecting people with their environment. Specific gameplay details remain under wraps.

Q2: Who is Niantic Spatial?

Niantic Spatial is the company renowned for creating Pokémon Go. They specialize in developing augmented reality games that use real-world locations. Other popular titles from Niantic include Pikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter Now.

Q3: When will the Kojima and Niantic game be released?

There is no official release date announced yet. The project is still in its early stages of development. The announcement was a first-look teaser during a studio anniversary event.

Q4: How does this project relate to Death Stranding?

Hideo Kojima stated the AR experience will share the connective theme of Death Stranding. Instead of linking isolated cities in a game world, it will focus on connecting people in the real world through gameplay.

Q5: What platform will the AR game be on?

The platform has not been officially confirmed. However, given Niantic’s history, it is highly likely to be a mobile-based experience available on iOS and Android. This aligns with the augmented reality and location-based nature of the project.

Trusted Sources

Information in this article was compiled from official announcements and livestreams by Kojima Productions and Niantic. Additional context was sourced from reporting by Reuters and The Verge.