Hideo Kojima explained why he takes actors to cafes before shooting

Hideo Kojima, creator of Death Stranding and the Metal Gear series, has once again spoken about working with actors. Following the showcase of Death Stranding 2 and rumors of a new spy project for PlayStation, the game designer explained how he selects performers for his games.

According to him, collaboration begins not in a studio, but with personal communication. He watches movies featuring the actors, meets them, spends time together, chats in an informal setting — and only then decides whether he wants to see them on the team. Kojima emphasizes that unlike cinema, where shooting can wrap up in a couple of months, working on a game lasts for years. Therefore, it is crucial that there is a “mutual connection” between him and the performer.

He has already applied this approach when working with Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, and Margaret Qualley. He is using the same pattern now — on the horror game OD, which is being developed together with Jordan Peele, and on the spy game for PlayStation.

Kojima admitted that he sometimes arranges something like an audition, but “chemistry” and shared views are more important to him than formal tests. He is looking not just for actors, but for companions with whom it will be comfortable to work over several years.

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Cover author: Kojima Productions. Cover source: Gamesradar