KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
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.
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS firmographics
Firmographics- 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
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS industry classification
Industry- 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
Where KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- 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).
- Merchandise and Licensing: Sale of branded merchandise including apparel, accessories, collectibles, and collaborations with other brands (ASUS ROG, Dnsys exoskeletons, alcohol partnerships).
- 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
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Standard Physical/Digital Edition |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Digital Deluxe Edition |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Collector's Edition |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | DNSYS Z1 Exoskeleton - Death Stranding 2 Collaboration |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | ASUS ROG Flow Z13-KJP Gaming Tablet |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels6 records
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration12 records
Feature3 records
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- PARCO / PARCO GAMEScorePartnership 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)flagshipLimited-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.
- DNSYSflagshipLimited-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.
- A24flagshipLive-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+flagshipOriginal 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 MileagecoreAnimated 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 SpatialcoreNew 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)minorPartnership to create sake brand 'ZAKU' x KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS collaboration featuring Ludens mascot for 10th anniversary celebration.
- Sony Interactive EntertainmentflagshipPrimary 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 / MicrosoftcorePublishing 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 SoftwarecoreSony-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 GamescoreDeveloper 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)coreFilm production partner for upcoming action espionage game Physint. Third major collaboration between Kojima Productions, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Columbia Pictures.
- Guillermo del TorocoreRenowned 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 MillercoreAcclaimed 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)minorLegendary Japanese anime director participated in 'Future of Entertainment' panel at Beyond The Strand 10th anniversary event.
- Mitsubishi UFJ CardminorCollaboration 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
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect 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
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS social profiles
Digital presenceKOJIMA PRODUCTIONS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS
What does KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS do?
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).
Is KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS a public or private company?
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS founded?
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS was founded in 2015. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS based?
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Game Sales are the primary driver. The others are merchandise and Licensing and IP Licensing and Media Rights.
Who are KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Quantic Dream, CD Projekt Red, Remedy Entertainment, FromSoftware and Larian Studios. Broad incumbents are Naughty Dog, Santa Monica Studio, Guerrilla Games, Arkane Studios and Square Enix (Creative Studio divisions).
Does KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS have an API?
No public API is recorded for KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS.
What industry is KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS in?
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS's product category is Video Game Development. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAAAL, Narrative/Adventure & RPG Game Studios, with a secondary code of MPADACAF, Anime Production. Its NAICS code is 51321 and its SIC code is 3944.