Hideo Kojima shared his current perspective on the use of artificial intelligence in video games, and while it's not entirely in line with the general consensus, it's certainly a mark for developers. Best known as a creator Metal Gear Series and founder of Kojima Productions, the author has become known for challenging convention and pushing interactive storytelling into unfamiliar territory throughout his decades-long career. So as AI continues to emerge in the video game space, his views on the matter may shift the perspective of others.
Kojima's influence has only grown in recent years with the release of v Death Stranding in 2019 and its subsequent continuation. The first game launched as a divisive but ambitious experiment that mixed what many considered a walking simulator with asynchronous multiplayer elements that emphasized connection over competition. Few thought that a game that is essentially about a delivery man could generate much interest, but Death Stranding received mostly positive reviews, won several awards, and was established Death Stranding 2: On the Beach in 2025. It served as further proof that even “weird” and non-conforming ideas can be viable and influential.
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Hideo Kojima wants to train AI
In a recent interview with Japanese website Nikkei Xtrend (via Notebook Check ), Kojima revealed that his view of AI is also unconventional. “This could be out there, but I think I want to make a game played in weightlessness and a game that pleases the AI,” said the developer. He further explained that currently the AI is not very knowledgeable and needs to learn more, so he wants to create a game that can train it. Then, in 5 or 10 years, AI may be ready to “penetrate many different worlds.”
While he didn't expand on the concept of “game played in zero gravity,” Kojima has previously stated that he was unimpressed by the litany of the same games the industry is producing right now. “The visuals and the systems are pretty much the same,” he said, concluding by noting that “it's important to put something truly new into the industry. A video game that trains AI, a technology generally viewed negatively by game consumers, would certainly fit the mold of 'something truly new.'
Basically a game that could train AI. Currently the AI can't do much and I think they need to study more.
While many people seem to be against using generative artificial intelligence to create video games, Kojima seems to be going in the opposite direction. He previously shared that he's not opposed to using the technology not to create art, which seems to be the concern of many, but rather to build dynamic systems. AI could add gameplay depth, such as by making computer-controlled enemies behave more realistically and adapt to player actions.
This stance is also somewhat risky, given that the use of artificial intelligence remains one of the most contentious topics in the video game industry today. Developers and gamers alike have expressed concerns about how AI-generated content could affect work, originality, and job security. Recently, two beloved studios, Larian and Sandfall Interactive, came under fire after it was revealed that they used artificial intelligence in the development of their highly successful games. In 2023 and 2025 respectively, their two titles topped The Game Awards and won numerous awards.
For its part, Sandfall's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was disqualified from the Indie Game Awards for using artificial intelligence generative art. The role-playing game was nominated for both the Debut Game and Game of the Year awards. Clair Obscuro launched with AI generative art assets that are still in the game, and although they were later patched, many people feel that they should not be used. But this practice is becoming more common, s Jurassic World Evolution 3, Kaiserpunkand The Altersto name a few, admitting to it. So maybe Death Stranding The devs' attitude – using AI selectively and especially not making art with it while training it to perform better – will be another example of how Kojima predicts the future.
