Xbox's agreement with Hideo Kojima for his upcoming spy-thriller game, Physint, is reportedly for a sum substantially lower than what Xbox would typically allocate for premium game development. This comes after Sony reportedly walked away from the project. While specifics on typical AAA budgets are closely guarded, unconfirmed reports had previously placed Sony's potential investment in Physint at around $400 million, with suggestions that the game was over budget and behind schedule being a factor in the termination of that deal.
Sources with direct knowledge of the Xbox contracts for Physint have indicated to Windows Central that the actual figure is "far lower" and amounts to only a "fraction" of the previously rumored sum. The Game Business reporter Chris Dring, who initially speculated about the $400 million figure, later stated that Xbox is paying "far, far less," possibly even under $200 million. This deal between Xbox and Kojima Productions also encompasses film and TV adaptations.
Physint is set to star Bill Skarsgard, Charlee Fraser, Don Lee, and Minami Hamabe. The game currently has no release date or released footage. Kojima has expressed optimism that Physint could become his most commercially successful game to date. The inspiration for the game reportedly stems from significant fan demand for a new Metal Gear title. Unable to create a new Metal Gear game due to his departure from Konami, Kojima was inspired to develop a "new action espionage game" which evolved into Physint.
Xbox is also partnering with Kojima Productions on the upcoming horror title OD. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has also commented on the company's relationship with PlayStation, emphasizing that competition and collaboration can coexist, and that the ongoing partnership between the two companies will continue under her leadership.