Hideo Kojima, the creator of Metal Gear Solid, has teamed up with Niantic Spatial on a new augmented reality initiative. The partnership was revealed earlier today during Kojima Productions' "Beyond the Strand" livestream event.
Niantic Spatial is the rebranded identity of Pokémon Go developer Niantic, which recently shifted its entire focus to augmented reality applications. As part of this transition, the company sold off most of its gaming titles—including Pokémon Go, Monster Hunter Now, and Pikmin Bloom—to Scopely, the studio behind Monopoly Go.
With a renewed emphasis on blending digital content with real-world environments, Niantic Spatial will provide its augmented reality platform to Kojima Productions for an upcoming project. A stylish teaser showcased during the event hinted, "In the near future, move beyond the screen." One scene depicted a person using AR glasses and a smartphone to scan a digital model superimposed on a physical object—an interaction reminiscent of Pokémon Go.
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“Beyond The Strand” – Breaking News
Announcing a strategic partnership with Niantic Spatialhttps://t.co/fVjcbr8SsL#KojimaProductions #KJP10th #NianticSpatial #GeospatialAI pic.twitter.com/4KvVmZO0Bb
"Though I can't go into specifics just yet, imagine climbing a mountain and discovering entertainment right there with you," Kojima hinted. "It's like experiencing Death Stranding in the real world—where you can connect with others or with the environment around you. Previous projects leaned into virtual reality, but this time we're focusing on blending storytelling with actual locations."
John Hanke, head of Niantic Spatial, emphasized the social potential of the project. "Our hope is to create experiences that bring people together through play. In today's world, we need things that unite us rather than divide us. Storytelling has always been a way for humanity to connect, and technology can help facilitate that. With visionary creators like Hideo, we believe this can become a powerful, positive force."
In a follow-up press statement provided to IGN, Niantic Spatial described the collaboration as a "major milestone for both studios, reflecting a common goal to redefine interactive storytelling through immersive technology."
No release window has been announced for the Kojima and Niantic Spatial venture.
Today's livestream also featured updates on the Death Stranding film and animated series, the premiere trailer for Xbox Game Studios' OD, and early artwork and casting news for Physint. For a full overview, check out our complete recap of all announcements from Hideo Kojima's Beyond the Strand presentation.
