The very intriguing sight of Josef Fares and Hideo Kojima giving an interview in Cannes quickly set fans abuzz with speculation. Fares-the-impulsive director of It Takes Two and A Way Out-, Kojima-creative mastermind behind Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding-, were chatting-and the whole world went crazy.
Whatever the intensity of their discussion, a dearly shared and warmly-wishlist photo from The Game Awards’ Official Account shows the duo looking either for the next big revolution in gaming or merely debating an age-old poisoning question of pineapple on pizza (answer: it doesn’t). And in that instant, crazy collaborative ideas flooded the fans. One user joked Kojima was “scouting future game characters,” while another suggested a “split-type game,” referencing Fares’ penchant for co-op storytelling.
There were nay-sayers, however, such as Makenshi Critiques on Twitter, who gave a scathing remark: “Kojima is just there for Hollywood clout.” As for Alfieri, he calls both “two myths,” one having shaped the past of gaming (Kojima) and the other shaping its future (Fares).
The response was a mixed bag of hype, jokes, and bafflement. In one fan interpretation in Arabic, Kojima was pitching for a “mysterious project,” and Fares was replying, “Just don’t make me walk 40 hours to deliver a package!” (Death Stranding reference.) Samantha J. Foster is wondering just how far away from the actual is a Death Stranding flick- because, seriously, Kojima has been just unstoppable in his Hollywood flirtations for more than a decade.
The actual news? Two legends of the industry sharing a moment. But in gaming circles, where every handshake could spell ‘secret project,’ fans will be fans. Kojima might be cryptic, and Fares? Well, he flipped off The Game Awards, so… anything’s possible.
One thing for sure: if this ever comes to fruition, it might entail truly bending minds, defining a genre, really being a glorified four-hour cutscene, or a strangely cerebral walking simulator. Whatever it is, we’re betting it has to hit right on the palm of our hand.
For now, the photo will have to do, along with the ensuing bedlam, and perhaps keep a close eye on Kojima’s Twitter feed for something vaguely subtle. Or another 200 tweets about movies.
