(Image credit: Konami)
Hideo Kojima recently revealed how he managed to create his cult favorite, Boktai: The Sun is in Your Hand, by capitalizing on a completely unrelated project from Konami. During a discussion at the Sydney Film Festival, Kojima shared insights into his constant pursuit of technological enhancements that might prove useful in the future, a practice he’s adhered to since the early 2000s. It was during this period that he developed Boktai, an RPG that has gathered a devoted fan base due to its innovative use of a UV sensor in the game cartridge, enhancing weapons in the presence of real sunlight.
The challenge with this concept was the high cost of UV sensors back in 2003. Nonetheless, Kojima’s team had a unique opportunity—Konami’s toy division had previously launched a UV teddy bear, which unfortunately did not succeed in the market. Consequently, Konami had a surplus of these sensors, allowing Kojima to acquire them at a significantly reduced price to develop his vision of Boktai. For more insights from Kojima, check out his discussion on VideoGamer.
While this story might seem like sheer luck, Kojima emphasizes its relevance to game development, underscoring the importance of timing in choosing the right ideas for implementation. According to him, a fantastic idea for a unique in-game feature is futile if its production is financially unfeasible.
This strategic mindset also influences the creation of Death Stranding 2. Kojima aims to steer away from standard mainstream models, yet acknowledges the necessity to craft titles that captivate a broad audience while aligning with his preferences. Although he did alter the script for the sequel after enjoying a bit too much player feedback fun, it’s all part of his strategy to keep them intrigued. Explore more about his work on Death Stranding.
Kojima reminisces, “I almost gave up,” reflecting on the hurdles faced during the production of Death Stranding 2, its Australian setting, collaborations with his idols, and even a quirky connection with koalas. For further narratives and beloved community stories, stay tuned to weekly updates and digests available here.