Hideo Kojima outlines role for Ai in games at Kojima Productions

Hideo Kojima says Ai has space in games only within gameplay systems, not art or creative decision-making

Hideo Kojima has said there is only one way he would consider using artificial intelligence in his games, stressing that it would not be involved in creating art or shaping creative direction.

The Death Stranding and Metal Gear Solid creator has repeatedly emphasised that human creators must remain in control of ideas, storytelling and artistic choices.

Kojima has addressed artificial intelligence several times in recent years, consistently describing it as a potential support tool rather than a creative authority.

He has previously said AI could assist with efficiency or repetitive processes, while warning against allowing it to influence narrative or artistic decisions. That position has remained unchanged as generative AI tools have become more widely adopted across the games industry.

In a recent interview with CNN, Kojima explained that his interest in AI lies in gameplay systems, particularly enemy behaviour. He said he has no desire to use AI to generate visuals or artistic content at Kojima Productions, but sees potential in using the technology to make in-game encounters feel more responsive and less predictable.

Kojima said players approach games differently, with variations in movement, decision-making and control habits. He noted that many games still rely on enemies governed by limited logic, which can lead to repetitive encounters. He said AI could be used to account for individual player behaviour and adjust enemy responses accordingly.

“By having AI compensate for those differences, the gameplay can gain more depth. And in most games, the enemies don’t behave very much like real humans. But by using AI, enemy behavior could change based on the player’s experience, actions and patterns. That kind of dynamic response would make much deeper gameplay possible,” Kojima said.

He framed this approach as a way to deepen gameplay while keeping creative control firmly in human hands, with AI operating in the background rather than generating content. Kojima did not confirm whether this concept is currently being implemented.

Kojima Productions is working on multiple projects, including the horror title OD and the espionage-focused PHYSINT, but no specific game was linked to the proposed use of AI.