Hideo Kojima says he games less to make better games

Despite being one of the most iconic names in gaming, Hideo Kojima recently revealed that he doesn’t actually play many video games himself. Known for genre-defining titles like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, Kojima has earned praise for fusing cinematic storytelling with interactive gameplay—but when it comes to inspiration, he looks far beyond gaming.

Speaking at the New Global Sport Conference (as covered by Rolling Stone), Kojima opened up about his creative process. “I don’t play games so much,” he admitted. “I watch movies, read books, meet people, and go to museums. I’m not copying anything from a game.”

Kojima estimated that he only plays about one game a year, and mostly to check or study its design rather than for personal enjoyment. He noted that while many developers immerse themselves in other games, he prefers drawing from real-world experiences. “Games take a lot of time,” he said. “But what’s happening outside the game world is more important to me to incorporate into my game.”

To Kojima, the key to innovation lies in thinking beyond traditional gaming boundaries. “We should think outside the box and be stimulated by things all around us,” he explained.

Interestingly, this approach hasn’t slowed him down. Kojima remains actively involved in multiple upcoming projects and continues to channel his unique vision into new work. He even keeps a USB stick filled with game concepts and ideas—ready for his team to explore when the time is right.

While it may be surprising that one of gaming’s biggest figures rarely plays games, Kojima believes that stepping away from the screen is exactly what keeps his ideas fresh—and his games unforgettable.