MP1st reportedly spotted new casting calls under the codename “Shimmer” with Mari Ueda of Pivot Motion (which worked on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach) serving as casting director. The described scene allegedly involves a hijacked bus with multiple passengers, including a mother and her baby, various teenagers, and so on.

It’s the last reported requirement that’s so interesting – an “antagonistic character with a German accent.” Apparently described as “Mads Mikkelsen in Hannibal but with flair”, he’s reportedly slim, quiet, “intense” and “confident in a psychotic way.” Shooting allegedly starts in June, though the fact that so many showcases and events are taking place at the same time is likely a sheer coincidence.

However, this is unlikely to be a major villain akin to, say, Higgs from Death Stranding. Such details don’t typically emerge in casting calls (but rather through Kojima’s own announcements). Whether this scene is even for the game remains to be seen, but it’s at least indicative that production is underway.

While it was in the conceptual stage last year, Kojima confirmed that it and OD would be a major focus for the company in 2026. Thus far, three actors have been announced – Charlee Fraser, Ma Dong-Seok and Minami Hamabe. Could the year hold even more reveals? Stay tuned in the meantime.

Saros (Release Date: April 30)

Saros is a true spiritual successor to Returnal, taking everything that worked and doubling down on it while introducing some clever design tactics to make it feel more inclusive. Early teases suggest another fast-paced, mechanically demanding action experience, but this time with a stronger focus on world-building and character progression that stays in between runs. With Housemarque’s proven ability to blend tight gameplay with striking visuals, Saros is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing PS5 exclusives on the horizon.

Intergalactic

Naughty Dog’s brand-new IP, Intergalactic marks a major shift for the studio known for grounded storytelling. Set in a retro-futuristic sci-fi universe, the game looks to blend cinematic storytelling with expansive exploration and combat systems that are a lot more dense than what we are used to. While details remain scarce at the moment, Naughty Dog’s pedigree alone makes this a project worth watching closely and we will be observing it more closely in the coming weeks and months.

Marvel’s Wolverine (Release Date: Late 2026)

Insomniac Games has cemented its reputation as one of the best names in Sony’s first-party roster of developers, and Marvel’s Wolverine is the next big step for the team. Set to release in 2026, Marvel’s Wolverine will allegedly focus on a more personal narrative, and the gameplay trailers show some amazing and fast combat which comes together to make it one of the most highly-anticipated games of the year.

Phantom Blade Zero (Release Date: September 9)

Phantom Blade Zero is all about defeating enemies and taking part in lightning-fast combat encounters, and doing it all with absolute style. It blends traditional Chinese martial arts with a dark and gritty aesthetic, and the game seems poised to deliver fluid swordplay that emphasizes precision and timing over swinging flashy combos and racking in multipliers. Unlike many Soulslikes, Phantom Blade Zero appears to focus more on speed and spectacle without sacrificing depth which is a rather interesting premise. If it delivers on its promise of seamless combat animations and stylish encounters, this could be a standout action title for PS5 players craving something fresh.

Nioh 3 (Release Date: February 6)

Nioh has gone on to become a highly successful Souls like series, and Nioh 3 seems poised to continue on that goodwill. It’s largely built around the same combat framework, but Nioh 3 introduces the addition of both Samurai and Ninja combat styles which not only add more variety but should also add an element of personal expression to the meticulous dance of dodges. The visuals and art direction look striking, and Nioh 3 is definitely on our radar when it comes out on Feb 6, 2026.

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls looks to bring Marvel’s iconic characters into a more mechanically focused fighting game framework. Rather than chasing realism, the game leans into stylized visuals and fast-paced combat that’s inspired by classic arcade fighters. The combat will unsurprisingly focus on tight inputs, flashy supers, and tag-based mechanics that reward both mechanical prowess and game knowledge.

Fairgame$

Fairgame$ is Sony’s bold attempt at a competitive, multiplayer-focused experience built around high-stakes heists and player-driven chaos. Developed by Haven Studios, the game emphasizes planning, teamwork, and adaptability rather than pure gunplay. Each match is designed to create unpredictable scenarios where things can go wrong very quickly, forcing players to think on their feet. Its vibrant presentation and stylish tone give it a distinct identity, and Fairgame$ has the potential to stand out if its systems encourage memorable, emergent moments.

Ballad of Antara

Ballad of Antara is a dark fantasy action RPG that blends Souls-like sensibilities with a narrative that’s a lot easier to digest. The game’s dual-reality mechanic lets players to shift between different versions of the same world, and that adds an interesting layer to both exploration and combat. Encounters appear deliberate and punishing without feeling overly restrictive, striking a balance between challenge and accessibility. Combined with stellar art direction and ominous atmosphere, Ballad of Antara looks like a title that could become a huge hit.

Arknights: Endfield (Release Date: January 22)

Arknights: Endfield marks a significant evolution for the franchise, morphing from its mobile tower-defense roots into a full-scale action RPG experience. The game features real-time combat, squad-based mechanics, and expansive environments that place a greater emphasis on exploration. Its already a big hit on the PC, and we are hoping to see a similarly positive response on the PS5 when it comes out in January this year.

Cairn (Release Date: January 29)

Cairn takes a refreshingly grounded approach by focusing almost entirely on climbing and survival. It’s completely devoid of any combat, and the game challenges players through careful resource management, environmental awareness, and precise movement. Every ascent feels dangerous, with mistakes carrying real consequences. It flaunts a rather tasteful art direction which gives the game a unique look and feel. Cairn may not appeal to everyone, but for players looking for something slower, more methodical, and deeply immersive, it stands out as one of the more unique PS5 exclusives in development.

Tokyo Xtreme Racer (Release Date: February 26)

Tokyo Xtreme Racer’s return brings back a style of racing that prioritizes atmosphere and one-on-one rivalries over flashy spectacle. Set on Japanese highways, the game focuses on high-speed duels, vehicle customization, and learning the nuances of each track – but it’s all quite nostalgic. On PS5, the series looks poised to modernize its visuals while retaining the moody tone that made it so memorable in the first place.

Brocade-Clad Guard

Brocade-Clad Guard immediately stands out thanks to its striking art direction and historical inspirations. Drawing from ancient Chinese aesthetics, the game emphasizes elegant yet deadly combat encounters against some of the fiercest enemies in the land. Swordplay is all about deliberate and disciplined, rewarding timing and positioning over reckless aggression. While details remain relatively scarce, the game’s visual identity alone makes it one of the more intriguing action RPGs on the list.

Exiledge

Another game from PlayStation’s China Hero Initiative, Exiledge is shaping up to be a slick action RPG with an emphasis on speed and fluidity. Combat revolves around being an aggressive warrior, encouraging players to chain attacks, abilities, and movement into seamless encounters. The futuristic aesthetic and vibrant visual effects give it a strong identity, helping it stand apart from the barrage of traditional fantasy RPGs.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake

The remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remains one of the most anticipated PS5 exclusives, even after a prolonged and uncertain development cycle. Rebuilding such a beloved RPG for modern hardware is a massive undertaking, and while details on the actual implementation remain scant for now – but updated visuals, refined combat systems, and fully voiced characters could breathe new life into its iconic story and open this experience up to a whole new set of fans.

Physint

Physint marks Hideo Kojima’s long-awaited return to the stealth-action genre, and expectations are understandably sky-high. Described as a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid, the game aims to blend cinematic storytelling with deep, systemic stealth gameplay. While concrete information remains tightly under wraps, Physint is very much in a position to serve as a major tentpole release for PlayStation.

4:LOOP

4:LOOP is an experimental sci-fi title built entirely around repetition and discover where each run challenges players to learn more about the world and its systems. Rather than relying on traditional progression, the game encourages mastery through knowledge and experimentation. This structure allows for organic storytelling and player-driven problem-solving. If executed well, 4:LOOP could offer a deeply engaging experience that rewards curiosity and patience, standing apart from more conventional action-driven releases on the platform.

Psycho Dead

Psycho Dead puts players in the shoes of a little girl who has to escape from a secret laboratory that’s filled with all sorts of bizarre creatures. The game flaunts great use of environmental storytelling, using the surroundings to tell a story rather than relying on pure exposition. There are stalker enemies in the vein of something like Mr. X, psychic powers that can be used against enemies, and puzzles that need to be solved in order to progress – so fans of the genre should definitely check this one out.

Parasite: Mutant

Parasite Mutant blends action and horror through a mutation-driven progression system that allows players to evolve their abilities by absorbing enemy traits. This creates an interesting risk-reward dynamic, as greater power often comes at a visible cost. Combat appears fast and aggressive, complemented by a gritty, body-horror-inspired aesthetic. The game’s tone feels unapologetically dark, setting it apart from more polished action titles. If its mechanics are balanced well, Parasite Mutant could deliver a uniquely brutal and memorable PS5 experience.

Loulan The Cursed Sand

Loulan The Cursed Sand draws inspiration from ancient myths and desert folklore, and presents a hauntingly beautiful world filled with mystery. Played in an isometric perspective, the moment-to-moment gameplay revolves around crawling through enemy-infested dungeons and taking part in free-flowing combat that’s just as deliberate as it is flashy. The art direction on offer is also something worth noting, and Loulan The Cursed Sand does stand out amongst the barrage of other RPGs that are set to come out in the near future.

Project The Perceiver

Currently in development at 17ZHE, Project: The Perceiver is all about using different masks to gain special powers in battle and use them to conquer the fiercest enemies of the land. It operates on a Sekiro-esque framework where the power fantasy of being a warrior has to be rightfully earned, and the visuals look really breathtaking. Project: The Perceiver has a lot of great things on its sleeve, and it’s definitely something that could end up being really big if it plays out correctly.

“Happy New Year. In 2026, we will move forward with the ‘Second Phase’ that leads into Kojima Productions’ ‘Third Phase,’” wrote Kojima, who then went on to note that he wouldn’t be traveling around the world this year. Rather, he will be spending his time “staying grounded and laying solid foundations” for the studio’s future projects. He will also be moving ahead with the production of the live-action movie adaptation of Death Stranding.

“Unlike last year, like I was traveling all over the world, this year will be about staying grounded and laying solid foundations. We will continue development on the horror game ‘OD’ and move forward with preparations for the espionage action title ‘Physint.’ This includes casting actors, scanning, and performance capture shoots,” his post continued.

“Also, be pushing forward with the live-action film of Death Stranding, as well as its animation projects, both the movie and series. In addition, we’re preparing several ‘events’ this year. Once things are finalized, I’ll be able to share more.”

“This year also marks my 40th anniversary in the game industry, from 1986, and began my journey in game creation. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and supporting Kojima Productions. I look forward to another great year.”

This “phase 2” of Kojima Productions had been a subject of conversation as far back as April 2025, where he noted that the development of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach coming to an end marked the end of the studio’s first phase. He described “phase 1” as a period where the studio would create a new IP and then expand on it with a sequel, which it achieved with Death Stranding and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.

“Phase 2”, however, wasn’t defined very well at the time, aside from Kojima noting that it would revolve around the development of OD and Physint. He also said that he wanted to experiment with other media, including a movie, as well as potentially an anime series.

OD seems to be the main subject of development for the time being, with Kojima stating just last month that there were plenty of hints in the “Knock” trailer from back in September to let players know what the title would be about. He also said that “the system [OD] uses isn’t ordinary. Everything is made in a game engine, and a game is a game, but it’s still a system like no other. That’s why we built a completely new medium together with Microsoft.”

In the meantime, check out our review of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which is available on PS5.

“As for Physint, because it’s an espionage game, I could practically make it in my sleep,” he said (via machine translation). “For example – you have a soldier who infiltrates, gets stopped by the enemy, gets attacked, and sneaks around to take them out one by one. No matter how that plays out, it’s fun and easy to make.”

As for how to make a concept he had previously explored quite extensively with the Metal Gear franchise more interesting, he spoke about how Physint will have its own unique gimmicks. Along with this, Kojima also wants to step up in the storytelling department by trying to blur the “line between film and games”. While this might prompt jokes all over the Internet about his penchant for excessively-long cutscenes, Kojima instead wants to go even further by involving actual film production crew in the title’s development.

“But that’s also what we’re trying to fight against,” he explained. “This new game introduces new gimmicks, and we’re also taking on the challenge of crossing the line between film and games. I’m thinking of working not just with film actors but with film staff on the production side too, though I wonder how that will all turn out.”

“Right now the times are changing so quickly that the social structures and themes I’m trying to depict in the game might end up appearing in the real world before the game is finished.”

As for OD, Kojima spoke about him and his team having extensively worked on unique games that steel had plenty of their core mechanics and gameplay systems rooted in titles made before, OD will be something entirely new. While he doesn’t elaborated on this idea, he did mention that the horror game will have a hand in “trying to change the service model from the ground up.”

“I can’t say exactly what it is yet, nor do I know if it will work out,” said Kojima. “We’ve created stealth games and delivery games which were unlike anything before, but system-wise, they were similar to other games. This time, we’re trying to change the service model from the ground up, so it should be quite challenging. We’ve packed the trailer full of hints, so if you keep thinking about it, you might figure it out.”

While OD might be the next major release for Kojima Productions, development on Physint is still likely quite some time away. Back in August, Kojima had noted that the title had just entered its “conceptual stage”. September saw Kojima officially unveil three cast members of Physint: Charlee Fraser, Ma Dong-Seok, and Minami Hamabe.

It features a shadowy figure with an SMG and the tagline, “Here Comes the Feeling,” at the top. The project is a ways off, but three cast members are confirmed: Charlee Fraser (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), Ma Dong-Seok (Train to Busan) and Minami Hamabe (Godzilla Minus One).

The latter revealed that more shoots were coming up and a game engine image showcased her in-game face, though the makeup and hairstyle are subject to change. Kojima confirmed that further casting announcements, including for the main character, were due, so stay tuned for updates.

Alongside OD, Kojima is producing an anime film, Death Stranding Mosquito (working title), directed by Hiroshi Miyamoto. Check out the first teaser trailer.

The event is slated to take place at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills, Tokyo, Japan, on September 23. It can be attended in-person, with tickets being available from September 2 onwards on the official website. While not too many details about the event have been revealed, Kojima Productions has confirmed that it will last for approximately 2.5 hours, starting at 1 pm JST and ending at 3:30 pm JST.

The Beyond the Strand event is also slated to be livestreamed. Details about the live stream, however, will be confirmed at a later date, likely closer to the event itself, after tickets have been available for some time.

Kojima Productions is just a few months fresh off having shipped Death Stranding 2: On the Beach on PS5, and since then, the studio has been working on updates for the title, as well as its next projects. Kojima had also confirmed just last week that he was done penning the concept for a potential third Death Stranding game. However, he noted that he had no interest in making it himself, and that he wants someone else to develop Death Stranding 3.

In an interview, Kojima said that he was more interested in working on other projects because he saw the ending of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach as a definitive ending to a story he started with the original Death Stranding.

“I have no plans to make that (DS3) at the moment,” he said. “Because the ending of Death Stranding 2 was my finale of 1 and 2. But, I already wrote the concept of DS3. So I have that in data. I hope that someone will create it for me.”

With Death Stranding 2: On the Beach in the rear-view mirror, Kojima Productions is turning its attention to its next titles: a horror game dubbed OD, and an espionage title dubbed Physint. Kojima had previously spoken about how Physint came into being, since fans had been asking him to return to a Metal Gear-styled espionage game at some point.

“Of course, I have lots of new ideas that I want to create,” Kojima said about working on Physint back in May. “But when I became sick during the pandemic, I realised that a lot of people wanted me to make something like Metal Gear. That’s when I had the idea for a new espionage game. I reflected and thought the idea was good.”

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is available on PS5. Kojima had noted that he has no plans for a DLC of the game. In the meantime, check out our review of the title. And if you’ve already finished it, here are 15 secrets you might have missed during your time with the game.

As caught by social media user Genki_JPN, Kojima considers the ending to Death Stranding 2: On the Beach as a finale for his time working on the franchise. However, he has written up the concepts for a third Death Stranding game in the hopes that someone else will make it.

“I have no plans to make that (DS3) at the moment,” he said. “Because the ending of Death Stranding 2 was my finale of 1 and 2. But I already wrote the concept of DS3. So I have that in data. I hope that someone will create it for me.”

This decision likely comes down to the fact that Kojima is also working on two other major game projects now that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has been finished – Physint and OD. The former is slated to be a stealth game and was conceptualised by Kojima because fans have wanted him to make something like a Metal Gear title since his exit from Konami.

“Of course, I have lots of new ideas that I want to create,” Kojima said about working on Physint back in May. “But when I became sick during the pandemic, I realised that a lot of people wanted me to make something like Metal Gear. That’s when I had the idea for a new espionage game. I reflected, and thought the idea was good.”

In February 2024, Kojima had also explained his decision to return to the espionage genre after having worked on Death Stranding since he left Konami. In an interview, Kojima mentioned that he first wanted to create a new IP to challenge himself, which led to the development of the original Death Stranding. However, after working on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, he has wanted to explore some of the new ideas he’s been getting.

“And since then, there have been a lot of new ideas. But in the last eight years, every day on social media, from users all around the world, people have been asking me to create another Metal Gear and stuff like that.”

While Physint is still some time away, with Kojima noting earlier this month that it was still in the “conceptual stage”, he is also working with Microsoft on horror title OD. While Kojima has previously noted that Physint is still five or six years away, questions about the status of OD came up after the recent round of lay-offs at Microsoft. The company, however, confirmed that OD is being worked on by Kojima Productions and Xbox, and that this collaboration is still ongoing.

OD was announced all the way back in 2022, and will star Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and Udo Kier.

However, Kojima has already indicated that the latter will take five or six years to develop. Right now, it’s currently in the “conceptual stage.” While speaking to Indiewire, he revealed that one month after Death Stranding 2’s release, he’s “checking the data of the players all over the world — what kind of weapons they’re using, the routes they’re taking, all this data. I also see these small bugs here and there, so I’m deciding where to fix and what to fix.

“I also am starting to work with the team on ‘OD‘ because that’s a new project, and also doing ‘Physint‘ all by myself because that’s at the conceptual stage. So I’m doing that. And also I have all these interviews every day, and also promotional — photo-shootings, things like that — so I don’t feel like I’ve finished the title [Death Stranding 2], to be frank.”

That last bit is interesting when you consider that Death Stranding received a Director’s Cut with new missions, tools, gadgets, and improvements. While there are no plans for the sequel to receive DLC, an enhanced edition may not be entirely out of the question.

As for Physint, it faced some issues last year due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, which was recently resolved. Stay tuned for further updates in the coming months and, more likely, years.

What could be next after their release? It seems Kojima may fulfill his wish to direct a film after all. Speaking to Brut (translation via Genki on Twitter), he’ll examine the situation at Kojima Productions after both titles launch and maybe work on a film if he’s able.

Depending on how long production takes, both titles (and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach) would be his last few games for a while. Time will tell if it happens, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, Death Stranding 2 is out now for PS5 – check out our review. It’s estimated to have sold 1.4 million copies in less than a week, though Sony and Kojima Productions haven’t revealed official figures.

Kojima explained that the idea to work on Physint after Death Stranding 2: On the Beach occurred to him because he believed that his fans want him to make a game like something in the Metal Gear franchise.

“Of course, I have lots of new ideas that I want to create,” Kojima said. “But when I became sick during the pandemic, I realised that a lot of people wanted me to make something like Metal Gear. That’s when I had the idea for a new espionage game. I reflected, and thought the idea was good.”

Kojima also spoke about discussing the concept of Physint with Sony, and the company agreeing. “We explored many options, and we agreed on doing Physint,” he said.

However, it is worth noting that Physint is still likely quite some time away. The game was officially announced back in February 2024. During the announcement, Kojima had said that the title will blend various aspects of games and film together, which likely means that Physint will be more similar than not to older Metal Gear titles.

“I cannot tell you so much now, but we plan to bring together cutting-edge technology and talent from around the world to create [Physint],” Kojima said. “Of course, it is an interactive game, but it is also a movie at the same time, in terms of look, story, theme, casting, acting, fashion, and sound. With this title, we hope to transcend the barriers between film and video games.”

Kojima’s asistant, Ayako Terashima, has also revealed earlier this month that Physint will take “another five or six years” before it comes out.

In discussing his decision to work on an espionage-based game, Kojima spoke about wanting to work on something new after leaving Konami, which he did with Death Stranding. However, the pull for him to create a new game in the vein of Metal Gear was too strong owing to fans of Kojima’s titles from all over the world.

“And since [the release of Death Stranding], there have been a lot of new ideas,” Kojima said back in 2024. “But in the last eight years, every day on social media, from users all around the world, people have been asking me to create another Metal Gear and stuff like that.”

“Having said that, if the users desire it so much, I thought I should change my priorities a bit. I still want to do new things, but I decided to make an action-espionage game.”

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will be the next major title by the studio, after which, work is expected to begin on Physint as well as horror title OD.