Hideo Kojima Vows to Create Until Death, Compares Himself to Tom Cruise

Metal Gear and Death Stranding creator Hideo Kojima has once again captured the attention of fans and industry watchers alike, drawing a parallel between his creative drive and that of Hollywood icon Tom Cruise. In a recent interview discussing his upcoming title Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Kojima shared his enduring passion for creation, stating, “I want to keep creating things until I die.”

Since launching his career at Konami in 1986, Kojima has left an indelible mark on the gaming world with visionary titles such as Snatcher, the solar-powered Game Boy Advance game Boktai, and the chilling P.T. demo. Now, through his independent studio, Kojima Productions, he continues to push boundaries. When asked by Game*Spark about his motivations, Kojima responded with a smile, “I’m the same as Tom Cruise (laughs). My life has been dedicated to creating things. That is my joy. I want to create for as long as my body and my brain keep working. I will think about (stopping) if it begins to inconvenience the people around me, but I want to keep creating things until I die.”

Hideo Kojima draws a creative parallel with Tom Cruise. Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Kojima Productions.

His reference to Cruise stems from the actor’s recent remarks at the premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, where he declared his intent to continue making films indefinitely—joking he might even make movies into his 100s. Similarly, Kojima’s vision extends beyond the confines of video games. Notably, in his response to Game*Spark, he emphasized creating rather than just making games, hinting at broader artistic ambitions.

In a separate interview with French media outlet Brut, Kojima revealed that after completing two upcoming projects—OD for Microsoft and Physint for Sony—he may explore the possibility of directing a film. This potential shift comes as no surprise to many, given the cinematic DNA woven into his games. With their elaborate narratives, extended cutscenes, and directorial flair, titles like Death Stranding blur the line between interactive entertainment and cinematic experience.

That signature playfulness shines through in the quirky Easter eggs and unexpected moments scattered throughout his games—like the bizarre antics players can trigger in Death Stranding’s hot springs or the surprising celebrity cameos hidden in plain sight. For fans eager to uncover every secret, our guide to Death Stranding 2 Easter eggs, cheats, and hidden features offers a deep dive into the game’s most curious corners.

While Kojima has not confirmed any specific film project, the idea of a Death Stranding movie adaptation continues to circulate. Norman Reedus, who plays Sam Porter Bridges, has publicly expressed his enthusiasm for reprising the role on the big screen. Whether that vision becomes reality—and whether it’s directed by Kojima himself—remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: as long as his mind is active and his passion burns, Hideo Kojima will continue to redefine what’s possible in storytelling, interactivity, and beyond.