Hideo Kojima's 'Forgetting Game': Play Too Long, Lose Memories and Skills

Hideo Kojima's Japanese radio podcast, KOJI10, offers fans a unique glimpse into the mind behind iconic games like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding. In the latest episode (Episode 17), Kojima delves into the innovative use of real-life time passage in video games, discussing both past implementations and future concepts, including an idea that didn't make it into the upcoming Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.

Kojima is well-known for integrating the system clock into gameplay mechanics. He cites two examples from 2004's Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater on the PS2. To enhance the realism of jungle survival, the game's fresh food would spoil after a few days in real time. Consuming rotten food could make Snake ill, or players could use it as an unconventional weapon by throwing it at enemy soldiers.

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Another example is the cat-and-mouse boss battle against The End, an elderly sniper in MGS3. Kojima notes, "Although he is a really tough boss, if the player waits a week, The End will die of old age." Indeed, loading a save from the battle a week later results in a cutscene where Snake finds The End deceased.

Kojima also shared an unused concept from Death Stranding 2, where Sam's beard would grow over time, requiring players to shave it to keep him looking neat. "Originally in Death Stranding 2, I was going to have Sam’s beard gradually grow out over time, and the player would have to shave it. If they didn’t, Sam would end up looking unkempt," he said. However, due to Norman Reedus's star status, Kojima decided against it to keep the character looking cool. He hinted that this mechanic might appear in future projects.

Kojima presented three game concepts centered around the passage of real-life time. The first is a life simulation game where the player starts as a child and ages to an elderly adult. "It starts out with the player being born, you’re a child and then gradually over time you become an adult. In the game, you fight various enemies. Like with the previous example (MGS3’s The End), if you keep playing the game, you will become a 70 or 80 year old man. However, at this age you will be weaker, your eyesight will worsen. When you are a teenager you’ll be able to run faster but by the time you reach 60 you’ll slow down a bit," Kojima explained. This aging process affects gameplay strategies, requiring players to adapt as their character ages. Despite his skepticism about its commercial viability, the podcast's other participants showed enthusiasm for this "Kojima-like game."

Another concept involves a game where players create something that matures over time, like wine or cheese, necessitating long-term engagement and suitable as a background or idle game.

Lastly, Kojima proposed a "forgetting game" that requires quick completion. In this concept, the main character gradually loses important information and abilities if the player takes breaks. "If you don’t play every day, the main character will gradually forget things such as 'how to fire their gun or what their job is.' This forgetfulness builds up until finally the player is unable to move," Kojima humorously suggested that players might need to take a week off work or school to play it.

With the anticipation building for Death Stranding 2, set to release on June 26, many fans are eager to see how Kojima's innovative ideas will evolve. For more insights, check out our interview with Kojima and our impressions after playing through the first 30 hours.