Hideo Kojima took the stage during Microsoft’s Tokyo Game Show 2026 broadcast today to deliver his first detailed public update on two in-development titles, OD and Physint, confirming that Bill Skarsgård will portray the lead role in the former PlayStation-exclusive action espionage game now published by Xbox. The presentation marked Kojima Production’s debut appearance since last week’s announcement that Sony stepped away from publishing duties for Physint, a move reportedly driven by concerns over budget, potential profitability and exclusivity.
The developer addressed the transition directly during his segment, framing the partnership with Microsoft as a forward-looking collaboration rather than a reaction to lost support. “Today, I’d like to focus on our partnership with Xbox and share with players around the world a glimpse of what’s ahead,” Kojima said before recounting an earlier meeting in Redmond, Washington, where he spent time discussing the future of games and digital entertainment with Xbox executive Asha Sharma.
A New Chapter with Xbox
Kojima reflected on his discussions with Microsoft leadership as a foundation for both titles now under the Xbox publishing umbrella. “There, we discussed the future of games and digital entertainment and shared a deep understanding of the goals we believe we should achieve together,” he explained during the broadcast. The remarks represent Kojima’s first public commentary since the split from Sony was announced last week, which coincided with reports that the Japanese publisher weighed financial and exclusivity considerations before withdrawing.
“Today, I’d like to focus on our partnership with Xbox and share with players around the world a glimpse of what’s ahead. There, we discussed the future of games and digital entertainment and shared a deep understanding of the goals we believe we should achieve together.”
Hideo Kojima
OD Progresses on Schedule Despite Strike Delays
Kojima turned first to OD, the horror title he insists will be unlike anything players have seen before and one that acknowledges it may divide audiences. “Production is proceeding on schedule,” he confirmed, noting that performance capture and ADR recording had been paused due to last year’s SAG-AFTRA strike. He praised the cast for their contributions, stating that Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer and the rest of the team have delivered intense and outstanding performances.
The developer reiterated that OD represents a new type of experience designed to test the thresholds of fear, while withholding further details until later in development. More information will be shared down the line, Kojima promised, keeping speculation alive among fans who have followed the project’s long journey through multiple announcements and delays.
Bill Skarsgård Joins Physint Cast
The most significant reveal concerned Physint, where Kojima announced that Bill Skarsgård, best known for playing Pennywise in recent adaptations of Stephen King’s It, will headline the game. Skarsgård joins a cast that includes previously confirmed performers Charlee Fraser, Don Lee and Minami Hamabe. The announcement arrived alongside fresh key art showcasing the costume and characters played by Fraser and Skarsgård.
Kojima revealed that the artwork appeared to originate from a picture he personally captured during a recent photoshoot, adding an unusual layer of authorship to the promotional material. He acknowledged that Physint remains many years away from completion while promising additional news in the near future as development continues under Xbox’s publishing support.
The casting announcement and production update drew attention from fans closely tracking Kojima Production’s slate, particularly given the recent shift in publishing partners for Physint. Community reaction has focused on Skarsgård’s involvement alongside his horror credentials, while observers continue to monitor how OD will deliver on its promise of uncharted fear.
Looking Ahead
Kojima left viewers with a clear sense that both titles remain in active development, with OD advancing toward production milestones and Physint still years from completion. Additional details on casting, gameplay and release windows are expected as Xbox continues to support the studio’s projects. Players can expect further reveals down the line as Kojima Production builds out its partnership with Microsoft.
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