Hideo Kojima's upcoming action-espionage game, Physint, will now be published by Xbox, a significant shift from its initial backing by PlayStation. Kojima Productions announced that PlayStation Studios informed them in mid-June of their intention to cancel the project. This news prompted a three-month search for a new publishing partner to ensure the game's continuation.
Kojima himself detailed the situation in a post on his official English Twitter, stating that Physint is a project of personal importance. The studio explored options across various fields and ultimately found a shared vision with Xbox, with whom they have previously collaborated on the upcoming horror game OD. Development of Physint is confirmed to be ongoing.
PlayStation released a separate statement regarding the decision, describing it as a difficult choice made after careful consideration. They expressed continued admiration for Kojima's vision and affirmed that their relationship with Kojima Productions remains strong after decades of collaboration. The statement suggested an openness to future joint projects.
While Xbox has framed the move as a positive development, the situation highlights a period of strategic adjustments for both major platform holders. Sony has reportedly been cautious following a series of live-service game ventures, while Microsoft has undergone significant restructuring, focusing on established franchises. Physint's survival under Xbox suggests that Kojima's titles may represent an exception to this broader trend for Microsoft.
The change in publisher is anticipated to increase the likelihood of Physint receiving a PC port, as Xbox has shown a greater propensity for releasing its single-player titles on PC compared to its competitor. However, the move also brings Physint into alignment with Xbox, which may be a consideration for players due to ongoing boycotts related to Microsoft's reported ties to the Israeli military.