Publishing Deals
Ongoing coverage on Publishing Deals.
Latest coverage
OD is “Unusual” for Hideo Kojima, Who Wants to “Keep Quiet and Release It”
Hideo Kojima stated that his upcoming game OD is being developed with a deliberate lack of promotion, aiming for a quiet release. Despite delays due to SAG-AFTRA filming, shooting is progressing well, with full character replacements taking significant work. Xbox is publishing OD and the previously announced Physint, with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma noting OD's budget is substantially below that of a premium title.
Physint Deal is “Substantially Below” Developing a Premium Game, Says Xbox CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company's deal for Kojima Productions' Physint is substantially below the typical cost of developing a premium game, contradicting speculation about massive budgets. This comes after Sony reportedly dropped its publishing deal due to the game's high costs and missed deadlines, with reports suggesting Xbox's deal is a fraction of the rumored $400 million. Hideo Kojima expressed surprise at Sony's decision, while acknowledging ongoing development and potential technological support from Xbox.
"I thought people would leave": Hideo Kojima offers his account of Physint's switch from PlayStation to Xbox, as his studio insist they're in a "healthy, profitable state"
Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions have detailed their account of the action espionage game Physint switching publishers from Sony Interactive Entertainment to Microsoft. Kojima stated that Sony informed him they could no longer fund the project, a decision he found shocking. The studio has also issued a statement refuting claims of financial instability and asserting that development for Physint continues with Xbox, while their relationship with PlayStation remains strong.
Physint budget and deadline issues are "unsubstantiated speculation," Kojima Productions says, and "our relationship with PlayStation remains strong" despite having to go to Xbox
Kojima Productions has issued a statement refuting reports that Sony canceled its upcoming game Physint due to budget and deadline issues. The studio confirmed that Xbox will now publish the title and stated that its relationship with PlayStation remains strong, while also encouraging skepticism towards unsubstantiated online speculation.
Physint Deal Canceled by Sony After “Months of Negotiations” with Kojima Productions – Rumor
Sony has reportedly canceled its deal with Kojima Productions for the development and publishing of the game Physint after months of negotiations. While Kojima Productions stated their relationship with PlayStation remains strong and they are in a healthy state, journalist Jason Schreier reported the cancellation stemmed from missed deadlines and significant investment needs. Physint will now be developed under a new deal with Xbox, with Hideo Kojima expressing commitment to the action-espionage genre and confirming Bill Skarsgård will play the main protagonist.
Kojima Productions Issues Statement on Recent Change
Kojima Productions has issued a statement to address online speculation about its relationships with PlayStation and Xbox. The studio denied rumors of project cancellations and poor relationships, confirming that Physint is still in development with Xbox and its partnership with PlayStation remains strong. The company emphasized its healthy financial state and thanked fans for their support.
Hideo Kojima responds to accusations of Physint being over budget and late on deadline, says he still "loves Sony" despite collapse of publishing deal
Hideo Kojima addressed accusations that his new game, Physint, is over budget and behind schedule, stating that while Sony stepped away from publishing due to concerns, he still loves the company and has no ill feelings. Xbox has since taken over publishing duties for the 'action espionage' title, with Kojima praising their support and technical capabilities. Kojima Productions also issued a statement refuting claims about their financial health and relationship with PlayStation.
Hideo Kojima says he was 'shocked' after Sony cut ties with Physint over a Zoom call: 'Nothing could’ve prepared me for their decision to step away from the project'
Hideo Kojima expressed shock and surprise after Sony abruptly canceled their funding for his new game project, Physint, during a Zoom call. After a three-month search, Kojima Productions secured a new publishing deal with Microsoft for Physint, which Kojima plans to develop as a multimedia intellectual property.
Kojima Productions Encourages “Skepticism” About Reported Reasons for PlayStation Dropping Physint
Kojima Productions has urged skepticism regarding reports about PlayStation's withdrawal from publishing the game Physint, citing unsubstantiated claims about the studio's financial health and the Death Stranding franchise's performance. The studio confirmed that Physint development continues with Xbox, and their relationship with PlayStation remains strong, despite acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.
Hyper Light studio Heart Machine lays off 'nearly everyone' after publisher deal for unannounced game falls…
Heart Machine, the developer behind Hyper Light Drifter, has laid off nearly its entire staff after a publisher deal for an unannounced game fell through. Studio founder Alx Preston described the situation as devastating, stating that the loss of this key income has forced the studio to let go of most employees. The studio will continue to seek a path forward, but its survival is uncertain.
Rapport: Sony släppte Physint pga. missade deadlines och budgetproblem
Sony has reportedly ended its collaboration with Kojima Productions on the upcoming spy game Physint due to missed deadlines and budget issues, with Xbox now set to publish the title. The decision was influenced by Death Stranding's sales not meeting expectations and Physint's projected cost and development timeline. Sony's stricter milestone enforcement following the Concord flop also contributed to the decision, alongside their shift away from releasing single-player games on PC.
New Report Says Sony Ditched Kojima Due To Missed Deadlines And Money Concerns
Sony reportedly canceled Hideo Kojima's new game, Physint, due to missed deadlines and budget concerns. Xbox has since stepped in to publish the title, a decision that has sparked discussion among fans regarding Sony's strategic choices.
PlayStation reportedly ditched Hideo Kojima’s Physint due to budget and sales concerns
Sony Interactive Entertainment has reportedly ended its publishing deal for Hideo Kojima's upcoming game, Physint, citing budget and sales concerns. The game, originally announced during a PlayStation event, will now be published by Xbox. This shift follows reports of Physint exceeding its budget and missing deadlines.
Physint Dropped by PlayStation Due to Missed Deadlines, Budgetary Concerns – Rumor
PlayStation has reportedly dropped publishing duties for Kojima Productions' upcoming game, Physint, due to significant budget concerns and missed deadlines. The espionage action title is said to be well over budget, with PlayStation hesitant to invest hundreds of millions. Despite this, Kojima Productions has secured a new publishing deal with Xbox, and development is ongoing.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Sold 2.5 Million Copies Across PC and PS5 – Analyst
An analyst report estimates Death Stranding 2: On the Beach sold 2.5 million copies across PC and PlayStation 5, generating $170 million. While the PS5 version sold 1.8 million copies, sales reportedly underperformed after an initial strong launch, with discounts impacting revenue. The original Death Stranding has sold 5 million copies since its 2019 release.
Xbox to publish Kojima Productions' Physint after PlayStation ditches project
PlayStation Studios has ended its publishing partnership with Kojima Productions for the espionage game Physint, citing a "difficult decision." Shortly after, Xbox announced it would pick up publishing duties for Physint, expanding its existing relationship with Kojima Productions which also includes the game OD - Knock. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma expressed honor in supporting Hideo Kojima's vision, while Kojima stated he sought a new partner after PlayStation's unexpected notice.
PlayStation Dropping Physint Has Fans Trying To Figure Out What Went Wrong
Sony has reportedly dropped Hideo Kojima's upcoming game Physint, leading to the project being picked up by Xbox and Microsoft for publishing. This decision has drawn criticism from fans and industry observers, who question Sony's strategy after investing in Kojima Productions. Physint, a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid, is now expected to have a longer development cycle.
Hideo Kojima spy action game Physint switches publishing allegiance from PlayStation to Xbox, probably increasing the chances it'll hit PC
Hideo Kojima's upcoming action espionage game, Physint, has switched publishers from PlayStation to Xbox. PlayStation initially informed Kojima Productions they planned to cancel the project, leading to a three-month search for a new partner. Xbox will now publish Physint, increasing the likelihood of a PC release, though the move also brings awareness to ongoing boycotts against Microsoft.
Clutch Studio Encountered “Actually Offensive” Offers When Hunting For New Publisher
Maverick Games, the developer of the narrative racing game Clutch, has faced challenges finding a new publisher after Amazon Games dropped the title. COO Harinder Sangha stated that some publishers presented "offensive" and lopsided deals, attempting to take advantage of the independent studio. The game is set to release in Spring 2027 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
"PlayStation has restored my access": Indie dev says their games will now "remain available" after Sony previously pulled their publishing deal without "any reason"
Indie developer Ternox Games has had its PlayStation developer account access restored after Sony previously terminated their publishing agreement without explanation. The studio's games, including the upcoming STONKS-9800, will remain available on the PlayStation Store, and Ternox Games will continue to release titles on the platform.
