Hideo Kojima's "OD" Remains in Development with Xbox

This past week, Microsoft reduced its workforce by 9,000 employees, including several hundred from the Xbox gaming division.

As part of these reductions, which are understood to support Microsoft's planned $80 billion investment in AI infrastructure, Xbox discontinued various upcoming game projects.

The Initiative was closed, resulting in the cancellation of Perfect Dark. Everwild at Rare was also cancelled, and several senior designers were affected. ZeniMax Online Studios' new MMORPG was discontinued, despite reports that Xbox CEO Phil Spencer supported the project.

Several second-party projects were also cancelled. These are games developed by external teams but funded and published by Xbox. For example, Romero Games' upcoming shooter, which was funded by Xbox, was cancelled, leading to significant changes at the studio. The status of other games has been uncertain, as some have been announced but have not had updates for extended periods. However, it can be confirmed that at least one of these projects is still ongoing.

OD Project Status

OD, a project teased nearly two years ago by Hideo Kojima, remains in development. The game, described as a horror title, has not had many details released.

There has been speculation that OD may have been affected by recent cutbacks, but according to available sources, the project continues for now.

Microsoft has previously promoted games such as Everwild, indicating that projects would receive the necessary development time. However, recent decisions show a willingness to discontinue projects, including those with significant potential, in favor of investments in new technologies.

Other Xbox Projects

The status of other Xbox projects, such as Contraband, is still being investigated. Contraband is believed to be in development at Avalanche and was previously codenamed Typhoon. The game is expected to focus on heist gameplay and vehicular combat. The trailer for Contraband has been removed from Xbox's YouTube channel, which may be related to a music license expiration.

As the effects of the recent layoffs continue, further updates regarding cancelled projects and changes in commitments are anticipated.