During the PlayStation State of Play January 2024 showcase, Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima did what he does best and surprised the gaming world, this time with the announcement he’s returning to the “action espionage” genre with a video game and movie hybrid that’ll have "near life-like graphics”.
Of course, the initial reaction revolved around the shock revelation that Kojima is making what sounds like a Metal Gear spiritual successor having left Konami years ago. But since then, fans have turned to another tantalising prospect: that project Physint, as it’s codenamed, could be one of the first PlayStation 6 games.
We don’t know much about Physint, but what we do know suggests a PS6 launch is a distinct possibility. During the State of Play, Kojima said production is expected to begin "in earnest" at Kojima Productions after Death Stranding 2 and in partnership with Sony. So, we know Physint is coming to PlayStation consoles. That’s a given. But when could it come out?
There’s no release window for Physint, understandably at this stage. But we now know Death Stranding 2 has a 2025 release window. We don’t know when in 2025 it will come out. It may end up delayed somewhat. But let’s say, at the earliest, it comes out during the first quarter of 2025. Then, if what Kojima said during the State of Play holds true, development on Physint will begin “in earnest”.
How long after that can we expect a launch? 2026? 2027? 2028? It’s impossible to say at this point, although given how closely Kojima and Sony are working together on this project, it wouldn’t be surprising if the legendary developer is allowed inside the circle of trust and briefed on Sony’s super secret next-generation console plans. He probably already knows all the secrets. I mean, it's Hideo Kojima.
And the language around this announcement also makes me think Physint could be one of the first PS6 games, and it’s not just the line about "near life-like graphics”. Here’s the official blurb from Kojima Productions:
“With the full support of Sony Interactive Entertainment, this new action-espionage game will use cutting-edge technology and a stellar cast to deliver an experience like no other. Blurring the boundaries between film and games, offering near life-like graphics and a new take on interactive entertainment.”
“Cutting-edge technology,” you say? That could mean a lot of things, one of which is a next-generation console, like the PS6.
The PS4 came out November 2013. The PS5 came out seven years later, in November 2020. If this pattern repeats itself, the PS6 will come out November 2027. I’m going to go out on a limb here and predict Physint is a PS6 launch title designed to push the boundaries of video game graphics and showcase the power of Sony’s next-generation console. Launching a new PlayStation with the spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid from the creator of the series itself would be quite something. wouldn't it?
Now we're talking about PS6, it's fun to imagine some other games that might make the launch lineup. Personally, I'd love to see the return to the WipEout series. I expect the next Gran Turismo is a PS6 game, too, given the length of time between releases in the famous old driving franchise. Astro Bot, of course! And, dare I say it, Knack 3?
Perhaps not that last one.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.