Hideo Kojima Teams Up With Pokémon Go’s Niantic: New AR Project Unveiled!

Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind Metal Gear Solid, has teamed up with Niantic Spatial for an exciting new augmented reality (AR) venture. This collaboration was unveiled during the “Beyond the Strand” livestream hosted by Kojima Productions.

Recently rebranded as Niantic Spatial, the company formerly known as Niantic—creators of Pokémon Go—has shifted its focus entirely towards AR technologies. This rebranding follows the sale of its major gaming assets including Pokémon Go, Monster Hunter Now, and Pikmin Bloom to Scopely, the company behind Monoply Go.

Niantic Spatial is intensifying its commitment to AR by providing its cutting-edge technology for a new project with Kojima Productions, teased today in a conceptual presentation. The teaser included the tagline, “In the near future, move beyond the screen,” and highlighted a scenario where a person wearing AR glasses interacts with a digital overlay on a real-world object via a smartphone, reminiscent of Pokémon Go gameplay.

KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS 10th Anniversary Event
“Beyond The Strand” – Breaking News

Announcing a strategic partnership with Niantic Spatialhttps://t.co/fVjcbr8SsL#KojimaProductions #KJP10th #NianticSpatial #GeospatialAI pic.twitter.com/4KvVmZO0Bb

— KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS (Eng) (@KojiPro2015_EN) September 23, 2025

Kojima playfully hinted at the project’s nature, suggesting, “If you’re climbing a mountain… there’s still entertainment to be found there.” He likened the experience to a real-world version of Death Stranding where players can engage with both people and their actual surroundings. Unlike previous ventures that leaned towards virtual reality, Kojima emphasized a deeper connection with the real environment this time around.

John Hanke, the head of Niantic Spatial, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to bring people together. He highlighted the crucial need for unifying activities in today’s society and believes that storytelling, supported by technology, can either unite or divide. However, with visionary creators like Kojima, it can serve as a significant positive force.

No specific launch date has been set for this AR project between Kojima and Niantic Spatial.

In addition to this announcement, the livestream also covered updates on the Death Stranding movie, an animated series, a new trailer for the Xbox Game Studios title OD, and insights into the artwork and cast of Physint. More details on these can be found in our comprehensive roundup of everything announced at Hideo Kojima’s Beyond the Strand livestream.