Xbox takes over publishing Kojima’s Physint after Sony exits

Microsoft's Xbox division has stepped in to publish Hideo Kojima's upcoming action-espionage title Physint, following PlayStation's surprising decision to abandon the project earlier this year.

Sony's gaming division announced in early September that it was ending its collaboration with Kojima Productions on Physint, describing the choice as difficult but necessary. The decision came roughly three months after PlayStation Studios notified Kojima Productions in mid-June that it was canceling the project. Kojima responded by spending the subsequent months seeking an alternative publisher, ultimately finding a match with Xbox.

Kojima confirmed the shift in a statement, expressing surprise at Sony's abrupt withdrawal. He emphasized that Physint holds significant personal importance to him and his studio, and that the team remained committed to bringing the game to completion under new leadership. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma welcomed the partnership, signaling enthusiasm for both Physint and another Kojima project called OD. She described the collaboration as a meaningful moment for the Xbox brand, particularly given the development work happening in Japan.

The partnership extends beyond gaming. According to Xbox's official announcement, the companies plan to collaborate on film and television projects as well, with the goal of adapting Kojima Productions' stories for broader audiences across multiple media formats.

The circumstances surrounding Sony's exit remain unclear, though the timing raises questions about what may have prompted the publisher to walk away from a high-profile project. Physint was first revealed in early 2024 with considerable ceremony, with PlayStation Studios leadership personally introducing the game alongside Kojima. The original announcement included involvement from Columbia Pictures, suggesting plans for cinematic adaptations. That elaborate rollout makes the subsequent cancellation particularly striking, as it created the kind of negative publicity that major publishers typically seek to avoid.

The shift represents a notable realignment in the gaming industry's relationship with Kojima, one of gaming's most celebrated creative figures. His previous work includes the Metal Gear Solid franchise and Death Stranding, both of which generated significant cultural impact. With Xbox now backing both Physint and OD, the company has positioned itself as a major supporter of Kojima's creative vision moving forward.