Hideo Kojima Visits Sony Headquarters Amid Rumors of Rift

Hideo Kojima has appeared at Sony’s headquarters in Tokyo, which suggests his relationship with the company remains on normal terms.

Kojima visited the Sony City complex in Tokyo despite rumors that relations with Sony had worsened. The rumors followed the cancellation of the joint spy project Physint and the move of its funding to Microsoft.

Sony’s decision upset fans. Rumor has it the company did not want to fully fund a game whose rights it would not own. Some observers suggested the move would end the long-standing relationship between Kojima and PlayStation.

The Japanese game designer’s visit to Sony’s offices points the other way. In a comment to the press, Kojima stressed that he still feels respect and fondness for the company, and that the closure of the joint project left no hard feelings on either side.

Earlier industry rumors put Physint’s budget at up to $400 million. Various sources say Microsoft agreed to fund the project on more modest terms. Kojima’s visit to Sony City may simply have been a friendly gesture, since the developer’s studio office sits very close to the company’s headquarters.