Kojima Productions Leaves PlayStation Unsure About Physint's Future, Engine Still Undecided

Sony's surprise withdrawal from funding Physint has left Hideo Kojima uncertain about the game's relationship with PlayStation going forward. In interviews published after Tokyo Game Show 2026, Kojima revealed that Sony notified him of its decision via Zoom call in June, a conversation that came while he was traveling between New York and Los Angeles for a Prada event.

"So in June, SIE said they wanted to have a Zoom call. I was so busy at that time – I had just gone to New York for a Prada event and then to LA right after. But anyway, I came back and we had this Zoom call," Kojima said. He added that Sony never provided a reason for pulling its funding despite his repeated inquiries.

When asked directly whether Physint would come to PlayStation in the future, Kojima declined to commit. "I don't know the answer to that – that would be a question for Xbox. But I don't know for sure," he said. "In previous updates from Xbox, I thought that they have this kind of stance where they want to deliver to as many gamers as possible, no matter what the platform is. I think all of that will be announced at a later time."

The project remains in early development stages. Kojima is still experimenting with multiple game engines and has not locked in a final choice, despite reports suggesting Guerrilla's proprietary Decima engine as a possibility. The studio has progressed beyond pre-production work, having written the plot and game concept with storyboards completed, and begun creating 3D models and scanning cast members including newly announced lead actor Bill Skarsgård. However, full production has not yet begun.

Xbox announced its publishing deal for Physint after Sony's withdrawal. Kojima emphasized that Xbox's vision extends beyond a single game, encompassing movies and anime alongside the core project. "The biggest thing [about Xbox and Kojima Productions' common vision was] they're not thinking of just funding a game. They're thinking about movies and anime. It's more about the IP. Let's create a new IP," Kojima explained.

Despite the platform change, Kojima reiterated his affection for PlayStation throughout the interviews. "I love Sony," he stated multiple times. Kojima Productions' official statement urged skepticism toward recent reporting, noting that claims made in Bloomberg's coverage came from unnamed sources rather than on-the-record statements.

Reports indicated that ex-PlayStation executive Jim Ryan played a significant role in PlayStation's original commitment to Physint. Kojima suggested that his relationship with Ryan, who has since retired, may have influenced Sony's involvement. The developer kept news of PlayStation's funding withdrawal confidential from his team initially before eventually disclosing the situation and committing to find alternative funding.

Kojima Productions confirmed the studio remains healthy and profitable. The project is believed to be several years away from completion, with development having only recently shifted into production phases.