Everything You Need to Know About “OD”: Hideo Kojima’s Upcoming Horror Game
Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima is a very busy man. Since leaving Metal Gear publisher Konami and starting Kojima Productions in 2015, Kojima has released Death Stranding with Sony and announced three more titles: Death Stranding 2, action-espionage game Physint (also with Sony), and a mysterious horror game called OD, which is set to be published by Xbox Game Studios.
What We Know About OD
There is much anticipation surrounding OD, but not much concrete information is available yet. From what has been shared, OD will use Xbox’s cloud technology to create an experience that, according to Kojima, is both “groundbreaking” and “immersive” — something that has “never been done before.”
Adding to the excitement is the involvement of filmmaker Jordan Peele, known for his work on Get Out and Nope. Peele will be collaborating with Kojima to bring unique horror elements to the game. In addition to Peele, other unnamed creatives are also set to be part of the project, referred to by Kojima as “The Avengers” of storytelling.
Official Release Date
Unfortunately, there is no official release date for OD just yet. With Kojima Productions focused on Death Stranding 2, which is scheduled for release in 2025, it’s unlikely that OD will come out before 2026.
Will OD Be an Xbox Exclusive?
As OD is published by Xbox Game Studios, it stands to reason that it will be available on Xbox Series X and Windows PC. It will also likely be a highlight on the Game Pass subscription service. However, with no platforms mentioned in the teaser trailer, there is speculation that the game could potentially be available on future Xbox hardware or even on competing platforms like PlayStation.
This broadened availability is not unprecedented; Xbox titles such as Sea of Thieves have been released on other platforms, and Xbox has not ruled out multiplatform publishing of its games. Despite this possibility, the prestige of having a Hideo Kojima game as an exclusive could be a significant factor in keeping OD limited to Xbox consoles.
Utilizing Cloud Technology
One of the key elements that sets OD apart is its use of Xbox’s cloud technology. This could either limit it to Xbox platforms or make it more accessible across various devices. At the unveiling, Kojima explained that the title is “a game, don’t get me wrong, but it’s a movie. It’s a new form of media.” This hints at a unique blend of gameplay and cinematic experience.
According to Kojima Productions, the game will “explore the concept of testing your fear threshold, and what it means to ‘OD’ on fear — while blurring the boundaries of gaming and film.” Leaked footage, which is no longer available, showed what appeared to be a traditional survival horror game with a twist — characters could be controlled using information from sources outside the game, like web pages.
The Cast of OD
The teaser trailer for OD featured three actors: Sophia Lillis (It, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves), Hunter Schafer (Euphoria), and Udo Kier (known for his extensive work in Hollywood and Euro arthouse films from the 1970s to now). Their roles in the game are still under wraps.
A notable absence is Margaret Qualley, who appeared in a leaked demo for a Kojima horror game called Overdose. While it’s believed OD evolved from this project, it’s uncertain if Qualley will have any part in the final game.
Collaboration with Jordan Peele
In a highly anticipated reveal at the 2023 Game Awards, Kojima announced his close collaboration with Jordan Peele for OD. Peele, known for his masterful storytelling in the horror genre, brings a unique perspective to the project. Joining him and Peele is a team of storyteller “legends,” whose identities are closely guarded secrets for now.
Kojima has hinted that the team includes highly respected creatives, saying, “When we reveal these names, my name will be completely forgotten.” Possible collaborators could include Guillermo del Toro, who has worked with Kojima on previous projects, or Ari Aster, known for Hereditary and Midsommar.
Possible Connections to Silent Hills
Long-time fans of Kojima may also spot a subtle tribute to the unrealized Silent Hills project in OD’s trailer. Though not directly connected, Easter eggs and subtle nods to the canceled Konami horror game may be hidden within OD.
As more details about OD emerge, it’s clear that Hideo Kojima and his collaborators are working on something truly unique and exciting. Stay tuned for more updates on this intriguing project.
Mehek