Head of Xbox Phil Spencer seemed to be teasing a bunch of different potential projects, such as partnerships with Hideo Kojima and Nintendo, earlier this year. Eagle-eyed fans previously saw a statue of Kojima Productions' mascot, Ludens, next to a glowing Xbox logo along with a Nintendo Switch on Spencer's shelf during past broadcasts from his office. Although neither Spencer nor Xbox itself has actually commented on the speculation, the pieces seem to be falling into place as insiders suggest it was intentional.
A flurry of recent news seems to suggest that Spencer's shelf is just a bunch of very calculated teases. It's not new territory for the exec either, he previously hid teases for the Xbox Series S and the Bethesda acquisition in the background of his home office, so he knows viewers are looking for clues in his broadcasts. Earlier this week, it was reported that Hideo Kojima is in talks with Xbox to publish his next game, but it doesn't sound as if a deal has been struck quite yet. With that said, it sounds like the two parties have been at it for a while now and it's possible it's looking more likely than not if Spencer is willing to tease it.
Reputable GamesBeat journalist Jeff Grubb noted on a recent installment of his podcast, Jeff Grubb's Game Mess, that he was told everything on Spencer's shelf is teasing something. Of course, this may be a bit hyperbolic as there are things like awards and just standard Xbox gear, but he specifically cited the Hideo Kojima and Nintendo Switch as examples. The Kojima and Xbox talks make a bit more sense following news that Sony is reportedly handling its first-party development much differently going forward. PlayStation reportedly rejected a Days Gone sequel despite the first game's incredible commercial success and upcoming PC port. Reportedly, Sony turned the sequel down due to the first game's lengthy production and less than ideal critical reception.
With that said, it's not unlikely that Sony rejected a pitch for Hideo Kojima's next game as Sony attempts to double down on established and universally acclaimed franchises. As for what the Nintendo Switch tease is, it's anyone's guess. Perhaps the long-speculated Xbox Game Pass on Nintendo Switch cross-over is finally happening. It's not clear when any of this will actually come to fruition, but Xbox is planning a summer event and Hideo Kojima is expected to reveal his next game soon.
Microsoft is clearly getting incredibly aggressive and letting Phil Spencer have free reign after how he handled Xbox One. Microsoft seems more than willing to drop billions of dollars into Xbox to make deals with the likes of Hideo Kojima and Nintendo if it is seen as something that can help the brand. Even if Kojima's games don't appeal to everyone, having it available as an Game Pass title would be major and help get tons of eyes on it.
Source: Jeff Grubb's Game Mess/Youtube