Hideo Kojima PS5 PlayStation 5 1
Image: Hideo Kojima

Unsurprisingly, the independent Kojima Productions established following auteur Hideo Kojima’s unceremonious departure from Konami has been the subject of multiple acquisition offers, but isn’t for sale. Speaking during an episode of his Brain Structure podcast, the veteran developer admitted he’d received some “ridiculously high” figures to sell the studio, but doesn’t want to be absorbed into a larger company.

While Kojima didn’t name any particular publishers or platform holders, it’s probably safe to suspect Sony may have been one of the suitors, given its close relationship with Kojima over the years – and its unprecedented support with Death Stranding. However, the Metal Gear Solid creator isn’t interested in a big pay day, and simply wants to retain creative independence. Considering how badly things soured for him at Konami, that’s understandable.

“Let me reiterate that we are indies,” he exclaimed. “We have no affiliations whatsoever and we are not backed by anyone. And every day I am approached by offers all over the world to buy our studio. Some of those offers are ridiculously high prices but it’s not that I want money. I want to make what I want to make. That’s why I created this studio. So as long as I’m alive, I don’t think I will ever accept those offers.”

Kojima is currently teasing his next game, which is widely expected to be a sequel to Death Stranding – although the fact he has a second game in development for Xbox is muddying the waters a little bit. Recently, a slew of Sony executives, including group president Jim Ryan, descended on Kojima Productions, suggesting marketing plans may be formulating for a new PlayStation game. All we know right now, however, is that Elle Fanning and Shioli Kutsuna will star.

[source open.spotify.com, via metro.co.uk]