KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS

What KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS does

KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS Co., Ltd. is a privately held Japanese video game development studio founded by Hideo Kojima on December 16, 2015, after his departure from Konami, and headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo. The studio employs 101–250 people and develops narrative-driven, cinematic action games for console and PC platforms, with its primary output being the Death Stranding franchise — the 2019 original surpassed 20 million cumulative players across PlayStation, PC, iOS, Mac, and Xbox, and the 2025 sequel Death Stranding 2: On the Beach surpassed 2 million unit sales within nine months of launch.

The studio builds on the Decima engine (originally developed by Guerrilla Games, in continuous use and customization for nearly a decade) and is adopting Unreal Engine 5 for the upcoming horror title OD. Proprietary innovations include the Social Strand System — an asynchronous multiplayer mechanic where player actions affect strangers' worlds — and an unreleased 'novel game system' designed for OD. Current development pipeline includes the Xbox-published OD (co-written with Jordan Peele), the Sony/Columbia Pictures-published Physint (action-espionage with a linked film), and a planned Niantic Spatial AR project targeting future spatial-computing hardware.

Revenue is generated primarily through premium one-time game sales priced $69.99–$229.99 across Standard, Digital Deluxe, and Collector's Editions, distributed via Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation), Valve (Steam), Epic Games Store, Apple platforms, Microsoft Store, and Amazon Luna. Secondary revenue streams include branded merchandise and limited-edition hardware collaborations (ASUS ROG tablet at ~$3,699–$4,800, Dnsys exoskeleton at $1,998, fashion lines with Brain Dead and Dickies, sake), plus IP licensing for media adaptations (A24 live-action film, Disney+ animated series, ABC Animation feature). Go-to-market leverages world-tour events (12 cities for DS2), major gaming conventions, A-list Hollywood casting and director collaborations, and multi-language social media presence. The studio operates without disclosed venture backing and retains full creative control under Hideo Kojima.

Name

KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS

Legal name

Kojima Productions Co., Ltd.

Website

https://kojimaproductions.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS is a privately held Japanese game studio founded in 2015 by Hideo Kojima, developing cinematic narrative games — chiefly the Death Stranding franchise — for PlayStation, PC, and mobile, with expanding IP into film, animation, hardware, and merchandise.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Video Game Development

NAICS

Software Publishers (51321)

SIC

Games, Toys & Children's Vehicles (No Dolls & Bicycles) (3944)

akta.pro primary industry

Narrative/Adventure & RPG Game Studios (MPAFAAAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Anime Production (MPADACAF)

Keywords

• Video game development
• Narrative-driven games
• Action-adventure games
• Stealth action games
• Interactive entertainment

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Game Sales: One-time purchase model for video games with physical and digital editions at varying price points. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach released at $69.99 (standard), $79.99 (Digital Deluxe), $229.99 (Collector's Edition).
2. Merchandise and Licensing: Sale of branded merchandise including apparel, accessories, collectibles, and collaborations with other brands (ASUS ROG, Dnsys exoskeletons, alcohol partnerships).
3. IP Licensing and Media Rights: Film adaptations (A24 live-action Death Stranding film), animated series (Disney+ Death Stranding Isolations, Death Stranding Mosquito), and other media expansions generate licensing revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS is an independent Japanese video game development studio that designs, develops, and publishes premium cinematic, narrative-driven action-adventure and stealth games for PlayStation consoles, PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), iOS, Mac, and Xbox. Its core commercial products are the Death Stranding franchise (original, Director's Cut, and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach) sold as one-time purchases at $69.99–$229.99, alongside forthcoming titles OD (horror, with Xbox Game Studios) and Physint (action-espionage, with Sony and Columbia Pictures).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LUDENS: Studio's mascot character representing 'Homo Ludens' (playing man) concept, the symbol of KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS since 2016

Products and services

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach A cinematic narrative-driven action-adventure video game and sequel to Death Stranding, continuing Sam Porter Bridges' journey 11 months after the events of the original. Released for PlayStation 5 and PC. Rated Mature 17+.
• Death Stranding Director's Cut Enhanced re-release of the original Death Stranding game with expanded content, missions, and gameplay features, available on PlayStation 5, PC, iPhone, iPad, Mac, Xbox Series X|S, and Amazon Luna.
• Death Stranding (PS4) The studio's debut title, a narrative-driven action-adventure game featuring the proprietary Social Strand System and starring Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, and Léa Seydoux. Released for PlayStation 4 and PC.
• ASUS ROG Flow Z13-KJP Gaming Tablet (Limited Edition Collaboration) Limited-edition branded gaming tablet co-developed with ASUS ROG featuring KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS' Ludens character design, AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, 128GB unified memory, and bundled Death Stranding 2 redeemable code. Targeted at gamers and fans of the studio's visual identity.
• DNSYS Z1 Exoskeleton Pro — Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Limited Edition Limited-edition AI-powered wearable exoskeleton co-designed with DNSYS, styled after protagonist Sam Porter's exoskeleton from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Targeted at consumers interested in branded lifestyle/hardware collaborations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Death Stranding achieved 20 million+ players across platforms
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• PARCO / PARCO GAMEScoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 May 2026Partnership for STRAND STORE popup shop at Shibuya PARCO (June 6-August 30, 2026). Features collaborations with 15+ brands including Blockhead Motors, Brain Dead, Dickies, and others. Builds on Death Stranding event series collaboration since 2024.
• ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 January 2026Limited-edition collaboration producing ROG Flow Z13-KJP gaming tablet featuring Kojima Productions' Ludens mascot design by Yoji Shinkawa. AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor with 128GB unified memory. Also includes co-branded peripherals (headset, mouse, mousepad). Collaboration merges gaming hardware excellence with Kojima Productions' distinctive visual identity.
• DNSYSflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 November 2025Limited-edition Death Stranding 2: On the Beach themed Z1 Exoskeleton Pro collaboration. Yoji Shinkawa designed the product styled after protagonist Sam Porter's exoskeleton. Features AI-powered gait control, 900W peak torque, 50% leg strength boost. Initial 100 units sold out in under an hour, leading to second production run.
• A24flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 September 2025Live-action film adaptation of Death Stranding being produced in partnership with Ari Aster and his producing partner Lars Knudsen. Michael Sarnoski directing, with second draft of script completed. Filming planned for 2027 in Iceland and Northern Ireland.
• Disney+flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 September 2025Original animated series 'Death Stranding Isolations' (Working Title) set to debut exclusively on Disney+ in 2027. Produced by Japanese studio E&H production with Hideo Kojima involved as executive producer. Character design by Ilya Kuvshinov.
• ABC Animation Studio / Line MileagecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 September 2025Animated film project 'Death Stranding Mosquito' (Working Title) as Hollywood co-production. Directed by Hiroshi Miyamoto, written by Aaron Guzikowski (Raised by Wolves, Prisoners). Kojima Productions' first feature-length animated production.
• Niantic SpatialcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 September 2025New partnership to develop geolocated multiplayer AR game concept envisioned as using futuristic AR glasses to create 'the real Death Stranding in the real world.' Partnership aims to push boundaries of interactive storytelling.
• Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten (Sake Brewery)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 September 2025Partnership to create sake brand 'ZAKU' x KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS collaboration featuring Ludens mascot for 10th anniversary celebration.
• Sony Interactive EntertainmentflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary publishing partner for Kojima Productions games. Publishes Death Stranding series on PlayStation platforms and co-produces new projects. Long-standing relationship since studio founding in 2015.
• Xbox Game Studios / MicrosoftcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublishing partner for horror game OD. Former Xbox head Phil Spencer greenlit the project after other publishers rejected it. Current Xbox CEO Asha Sharma expressed continued support for the project.
• Nixxes SoftwarecoreTechnology or IntegrationSony-owned studio handling PC port development for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Implemented advanced graphics technologies including NVIDIA DLSS 4, AMD FSR 4, Intel XeSS 2, and Guerrilla's Pico upscaler.
• Guerrilla GamescoreTechnology or IntegrationDeveloper of the Decima game engine, which Kojima Productions has used for nearly ten years. Deep technical collaboration including shared modifications between studios.
• Columbia Pictures (Sony)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFilm production partner for upcoming action espionage game Physint. Third major collaboration between Kojima Productions, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Columbia Pictures.
• Guillermo del TorocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRenowned film director who appears in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Advisory presence at Beyond The Strand 10th anniversary event discussing 'Future of Entertainment' with Hideo Kojima and other directors.
• George MillercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcclaimed director (Mad Max) appears as Tarman in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Featured at Sydney Film Festival panel with Hideo Kojima discussing films, games, and creativity.
• 押井守 (Mamoru Oshii)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLegendary Japanese anime director participated in 'Future of Entertainment' panel at Beyond The Strand 10th anniversary event.
• Mitsubishi UFJ CardminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaboration to produce Mitsubishi UFJ Card designed in collaboration with KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS. Plans include smartphone app-linked merchandise redemption function.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Quantic Dream: French independent studio producing narrative-driven, cinematic interactive games (Heavy Rain, Detroit: Become Human). Most direct peer: similar premium narrative focus, auteur-driven creative vision, and reliance on major platform publisher deals.
• CD Projekt Red: Polish independent studio behind The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077. Comparable as an independent AAA studio producing mature, narrative-driven RPGs with strong transmedia IP (Witcher Netflix series, tabletop games). Similar premium single-purchase model and auteur-driven brand.
• Remedy Entertainment: Finnish independent studio producing narrative-driven action games (Control, Alan Wake, Max Payne). Comparable as a smaller independent European-origin studio with premium narrative focus, multi-platform publishing strategy, and creative-driven IP.
• FromSoftware: Japanese independent studio behind Dark Souls, Elden Ring, and Armored Core. Comparable as a Japanese independent AAA studio producing premium narrative action games with strong auteur identity (Hidetaka Miyazaki) and major publisher deals (Bandai Namco, Sony).
• Larian Studios: Belgian independent studio behind Baldur's Gate 3. Comparable as a recently ascendant independent AAA studio producing premium narrative RPGs with strong critical reception and platform distribution via Steam and console partners.

Broad incumbents

• Naughty Dog: PlayStation-owned studio producing cinematic narrative action-adventure games (The Last of Us, Uncharted). Comparable in premium narrative action genre and Sony publishing relationship, though Naughty Dog is a wholly-owned first-party studio rather than independent partner.
• Santa Monica Studio: PlayStation-owned studio developing God of War franchise. Comparable in cinematic narrative action-adventure genre and Sony publishing relationship; shares player demographic and AAA budget tier.
• Guerrilla Games: PlayStation-owned studio developing Horizon series and creator of the Decima engine used by Kojima Productions. Direct technical partner and comparable as a Sony first-party AAA studio; their collaboration model is informative for understanding KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS' production approach.
• Arkane Studios: Xbox-owned studio behind Dishonored, Prey, and Deathloop. Comparable in immersive sim / narrative action genre and Xbox publishing relationship (similar to KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS' OD partnership).
• Square Enix (Creative Studio divisions): Major Japanese publisher-developer behind Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts. Comparable as a Japanese premium narrative RPG studio with transmedia ambitions; though much larger and publicly listed, the narrative premium genre overlap is direct.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/KojiPro2015_EN
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/KOJIMAPRODUCTIONS
• Facebookfacebook.com/KojiPro2015
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kojimaproductions
• Instagraminstagram.com/kojipro2015_official

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS