Microsoft continues restructuring its Xbox business, with multiple projects cancelled, some studios facing layoffs or closures, and even partnership deals affected. However, in the midst of this storm, Hideo Kojima’s horror game OD reportedly remains completely unaffected. According to Kotaku, multiple sources confirmed that despite Xbox’s continued investment cuts and strategy adjustments, OD’s development continues as normal, with no plans for cancellation or reduction—still receiving ongoing support from Microsoft.
All Other Projects Fallen, OD Becomes the Exception
In recent weeks, Xbox has had bad news almost daily. Partnership projects terminated, studios facing layoffs, and even Marvel’s Blade developer Arkane Studios and Project Fantasy were reportedly impacted by the restructuring. In contrast, OD stands out as particularly special. The report indicates Microsoft still values this project highly and has no plans to abandon its partnership with Kojima—meaning OD remains one of Xbox’s key first-party collaborations.
Kojima Revealed: Only Xbox Was Willing to Believe in This Project
OD was never an easy project to get off the ground. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Kojima revealed he pitched to many major companies, but almost everyone thought the concept was “too crazy” and simply couldn’t understand it. Only Xbox, and then-Xbox head Phil Spencer, were willing to support the project, allowing OD to officially launch. Now even with Xbox drastically cutting expenses, OD successfully survived—leading many to believe Microsoft still has high expectations for this title.
At Least It Wasn’t Cancelled This Time!
As of now, OD still hasn’t announced a release date, and the game content remains shrouded in mystery. But with Xbox aggressively adjusting its strategy and many projects hanging in the balance, OD becoming one of the few survivors is itself news worth watching. Let’s just say Kojima didn’t just successfully find a partner willing to believe in him—it seems even Xbox’s massive layoffs storm hasn’t been able to blow this project down.