Hideo Kojima wants to ‘continue to focus on making games’ at 63, even as ’the time I have decreases’
Legendary game developer Hideo Kojima, creator of the Metal Gear and Death Stranding franchises, has reflected on his mortality and career priorities after turning 63. In a post on social media, Kojima shared introspective thoughts about the inevitable passage of time and how it shapes his approach to life and work.
“As I get older, the things I ‘have to do’ and the things I ‘want to do’ keep increasing,” Kojima wrote. “On the other hand, the ’time I have’ decreases. I need to constantly scrutinize how I use my time and how I live my life.”
The remarks come as Kojima continues to lead his independent studio, Kojima Productions, which he founded after departing Konami in 2015. Despite acknowledging the finite nature of his remaining years, Kojima expressed his determination to continue focusing on game development. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among veteran creators about balancing professional obligations and creative ambitions as they approach their later years.
Kojima’s reflection resonates with many in the creative industries who grapple with similar questions about legacy, productivity, and allocating limited time between obligatory work and passion projects. His decades-long influence on video games spans seminal works that pushed the boundaries of interactive storytelling and gameplay innovation.