Hideo Kojima has been announced as a keynote speaker for the GDC Festival of Gaming, set to take place from March 9-13, 2026, in San Francisco, California. His address, titled “Restarting from Zero: A Message to Creators Considering Independence,” will focus on the experiences and lessons learned during his decade as an independent developer following the establishment of Kojima Productions in 2015.
In a recent press release, the Game Developer organization, which oversees GDC, highlighted that Kojima’s keynote will cover a wide range of topics. These include the creation of his studio’s physical office, the development of a unique brand identity, and the challenges of assembling a talented workforce. The address aims to provide valuable insights drawn from both successes and setbacks encountered during the formative years of Kojima Productions.
Nina Brown, president of GDC, expressed enthusiasm about Kojima’s participation, stating, “Hideo Kojima is one of the most influential creative voices of our time. His work has shaped how the world experiences games.” Brown emphasized that having Kojima open the festival sets a tone of “fearless creativity” and “bold ideas,” essential for the evolving landscape of game development.
Kojima, a veteran of the gaming industry for over 30 years, gained fame primarily through his groundbreaking work on the Metal Gear series at Konami. This series has significantly influenced game design and storytelling across the industry. After parting ways with Konami, Kojima launched his own studio and released Death Stranding, followed by its sequel, Death Stranding 2: On a Beach, both of which received critical acclaim and commercial success.
His innovative storytelling techniques and his ability to revolutionize the stealth genre have earned him notable accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 Game Developers Choice Awards and a BAFTA Fellowship in 2020 for his contributions to the gaming world.
As the GDC Festival of Gaming approaches, Kojima’s keynote is anticipated to resonate with many creators navigating the complexities of independent game development. The festival itself aims to celebrate and elevate the entire game-making ecosystem, making it a significant event for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.
With his wealth of experience and unique perspective, Hideo Kojima’s address is expected to inspire a new generation of game developers seeking to forge their paths in an increasingly independent landscape.