Amidst the ongoing mass layoffs in Microsoft’s gaming division, even more worrying rumors have begun to surface: Xbox has allegedly ceased its collaboration with Kojima Productions and withdrawn from the ‘OD’ project — Hideo Kojima’s new mysterious game. The information has emerged from multiple sources on the ResetEra forum, and has been partially corroborated by some insiders and self-proclaimed former Xbox employees. While there has been no official confirmation from the parties involved, the scale of Microsoft’s recent restructuring lends credibility to these reports.
According to the rumors, the publishing contract between Kojima Productions and Microsoft for the ‘OD’ project may have been terminated, and the studio is now seeking a new publisher. As one insider states, «I’m hearing from reliable people that the contract could have gone to hell. KJP owns the IP rights and is now looking for a new publisher.»
If the rumors are true, this would be another example of Microsoft’s willingness to abandon previously announced projects, similar to the cancellation of Perfect Dark, the Zenimax Online MMO, and other ambitious developments. The fate of ‘OD’ may have suffered the same outcome, despite Kojima’s renowned name.
However, there is also a positive aspect to this situation. Kojima Productions fully owns the rights to ‘OD’, and Hideo Kojima has a history of working independently of platform holders. The studio may be able to continue the project’s development on its own or attract a new partner, much like the approach taken with the original Death Stranding, which was initially supported by Sony.
The release date for ‘OD’ has not been announced yet. But following the June release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, ‘OD’ was expected to be Kojima Productions’ next flagship project.