Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind Metal Gear and Death Stranding, recently echoed Tom Cruise's sentiments about his career, stating: "I want to keep creating things until I die."

Since joining Konami in 1986, Kojima has developed a diverse portfolio of games, such as Snatcher, the innovative solar-powered Boktai for the GBA, and the legendary P.T. demo. In a recent interview about Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Game*Spark asked Kojima about his drive and reasons for continuing in game development.

"I’m the same as Tom Cruise (laughs)," he replied. "My life revolves around creation. That’s what brings me joy. I want to keep creating as long as my body and mind allow. If it ever starts burdening those around me, I’ll reconsider, but my goal is to create until my last breath."

By comparing himself to Cruise, Kojima likely references the actor's recent statements at the Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning premiere. Cruise told The Hollywood Reporter he plans to keep making films well into his old age, even joking about continuing into his hundreds.

Notably, Kojima didn’t limit his creative ambitions to games in the Game*Spark interview—he simply emphasized "creating." This openness suggests he may explore other media in the future. In a video discussion with French outlet Brut, Kojima mentioned that, depending on Kojima Productions' status after finishing Microsoft's OD and Sony's Physint, he would be interested in directing a film.

While Kojima's games are often praised for their cinematic cutscenes and presentation—some argue they feel like interactive movies—he clarified in the interview that his primary focus remains on gameplay. He acknowledged his cinematic influences but stressed that his core approach is to explore what only games can offer.

"Growing up on movies has shaped my approach to lighting, character design, and direction, but I’m always aware that I’m making a game, not a film. My foundation is to embrace the unique interactivity and playful elements that define the medium," he explained.

Kojima’s trademark playfulness shines through in the quirky cameos and hidden surprises scattered throughout his games, especially when players experiment. Discover the Death Stranding 2 Easter eggs, cheats, and secrets we’ve uncovered, or learn about the amusing antics Sam can get up to in hot springs.

Kojima is also linked to an upcoming Death Stranding film adaptation, which Norman Reedus has expressed interest in starring in.