Kojima Wants PHYSINT to Find Its Own Identity as a Spy Game
Kojima calls PHYSINT his 40th-anniversary project, with filming planned for 2027 and several cast members already scanned.
Hideo Kojima wants PHYSINT to find its own identity as a spy game. He says it will evoke the roots of Metal Gear while bringing new ideas and a different kind of spy action, rather than becoming another entry in the stealth series. Kojima has not shared specific examples of how the gameplay will differ, so for now the distinction is a creative goal, not a detailed look at its mechanics.
Kojima also said he approaches each game as though it could be his last. PHYSINT carries added significance as his 40th-anniversary project in the games industry.
The game’s plot is complete, though some character names are still being decided, and the script remains unfinished. Kojima has pitched the project directly to actors. Bill Skarsgård, Charlee Fraser, and Minami Hamabe have been scanned, while other cast members have been selected but remain unnamed. Kojima said around 70% of the cast currently involved are fans of his work.
Skarsgård’s path to the lead role began through composer Woodkid, who worked on the Death Stranding 2: On the Beach soundtrack. Woodkid and Skarsgård are friends. When the actor visited Woodkid, he spotted Kojima Productions merchandise and was surprised to learn that his friend had worked with Kojima. After Woodkid learned Skarsgård was a fan, he introduced them.
Skarsgård and Kojima met for dinner in Japan. Kojima later traveled to Sweden, pitched him the game, and Skarsgård agreed to take the lead role. Kojima announced Skarsgård as PHYSINT’s lead during Xbox’s Tokyo Game Show broadcast on September 17, 2026.
Filming is planned to begin sometime in 2027. In September, Kojima said 3D modeling was underway, while the engine remained undecided. PHYSINT’s engine choice is still open.
What would you most like PHYSINT to do differently from Metal Gear‘s approach to espionage? To follow how Kojima’s spy game takes shape, connect with us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram.
