Xbox is publishing Kojima’s mysterious horror game OD because apparently no one else wanted it - they didn’t understand the concept

Hideo Kojima’s upcoming horror game OD has finally found a home at Xbox after being rejected by multiple major publishers. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Kojima revealed that he pitched the project to numerous “big companies,” all of whom rejected it, telling him he was “crazy” for the concept.

OD is described by Kojima as a “new game system” and something “no one has ever seen before,” blending game, film, and an entirely new form of media. The project was first announced in 2023 and features an impressive cast including Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and the late Udo Kier, with director Jordan Peele (Get Out, Nope) involved in its development.

Kojima conceived the OD concept years ago while working on the original Death Stranding and has been developing it independently. While early trailers may suggest a standard horror experience, Kojima insists the game is something fundamentally different. The project will reportedly include a feature for players who become too frightened by the experience.

Despite the widespread industry rejection, Xbox saw potential in Kojima’s unconventional vision and secured publishing rights. The game remains shrouded in mystery, with Kojima remaining deliberately vague about specific details, emphasizing that it represents an innovative approach to interactive entertainment that defies traditional categorization.

Xbox is publishing Kojima’s mysterious horror game OD because apparently no one else wanted it - they didn’t understand the concept

Sources