Hideo Kojima Reveals Innovative 'Forgetting Game' Concept: Protagonist Loses Skills with Extended Breaks

Hideo Kojima's Japanese radio podcast KOJI10 offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of the mastermind behind Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding. In the latest episode (Episode 17), Kojima delves into the innovative use of real-time mechanics in video games. He not only reflects on past implementations but also unveils new concepts, including one that was cut from the highly anticipated Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.

Kojima is renowned for integrating real-world time into his game mechanics. He highlights two notable examples from Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, released in 2004 for the PS2. To enhance the survival experience in the jungle, food acquired in the game would spoil after a few days in real life. Consuming spoiled food could severely sicken Snake, or players could creatively use it as a weapon by throwing it at unsuspecting enemy soldiers.

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Another example is the strategic use of the system clock during the intense boss battle against The End, an elderly sniper. Kojima recalls, "Although he is a really tough boss, if the player waits a week, The End will die of old age." Players who revisit their in-battle save after a week are rewarded with a cutscene showing Snake discovering The End's demise.

Kojima also shared a scrapped idea for Death Stranding 2 where Sam's beard would grow over time, requiring players to shave it. However, this concept was abandoned to maintain the cool image of actor Norman Reedus. Yet, Kojima remains open to incorporating such a feature in future projects.

During the podcast, Kojima introduced three new game concepts centered around real-time mechanics. The first is a life simulation game where the player ages from childhood to old age, influencing gameplay with changing physical abilities and strategic approaches. "But no-one would buy it!" Kojima jokingly remarked, although his co-hosts expressed interest in such a unique game.

The second concept involves creating and nurturing items like wine or cheese, which require long-term play to mature, potentially functioning as an idle game. On the other end of the spectrum, Kojima proposed a "forgetting game," where the main character's memory and abilities deteriorate if the player doesn't engage daily. "Players would have to take a week off work or school to play it," Kojima humorously suggested.

With the release of Death Stranding 2 scheduled for June 26, fans are eagerly anticipating the latest from Kojima. For more insights, don't miss our interview with Kojima and our impressions after playing through the first 30 hours.