Despite the massive restructuring of Microsoft's gaming division and the cancellation of several projects, Hideo Kojima's horror game OD continues to be actively developed. The project remains in production at Kojima Productions and is still published by Xbox Game Studios.
Earlier, it became known that Microsoft is reviewing its investment strategy in the gaming sector. Against this backdrop, Xbox ceased funding Project Fantasy from IO Interactive, leading to layoffs at the studio. The company explained the changes by its desire to focus on the highest priority projects.
We are re-evaluating the areas in which we invest to focus on our main priorities. We are not reducing the total volume of investments in games — content expenditures will remain approximately at last year's level. Only where these funds are directed and which projects we support is changing.
Against this backdrop, the fate of OD looks significantly more stable. The game is being created in collaboration with "Get Out" director Jordan Peele and remains one of Xbox's most mysterious projects. According to the original concept, three main actors were supposed to appear in the game — Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and the legendary Udo Kier. However, Kier passed away last November at the age of 81. Although Kojima Productions managed to perform a digital scan of the actor, full-fledged filming with his participation could not be carried out.