Hideo Kojima, the Japanese game creator, speaks at the New World Sports Conference and reveals its secrets.
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today announced that world-renowned game creator Hideo Kojima will join the Esports World Cup 2025 Festival in Riyadh, appearing live on August 23 for a special Q&A panel in Publisher Park as part of the DEATH STRANDING WORLD STRAND TOUR 2, celebrating the launch of DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH. Fans will have the rare opportunity to hear directly from Hideo Kojima about the making of the critically acclaimed title and meet the visionary creator in person. To honour Hideo Kojima, EWC 2025’s Publisher Park will be transformed with bespoke branding celebrating the world of DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH.
Recognised globally as one of the all-time greats in video game history, Hideo Kojima has redefined interactive storytelling, cinematic game design and the boundaries of genre for nearly four decades. As the founder of KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and the creator of the iconic franchise, Death Stranding, he pioneered stealth-action gameplay and elevated games to a new narrative and artistic standard.
Hideo Kojima’s deep appreciation for film, music, and literature is woven into every aspect of his work, from unforgettable characters to immersive, emotionally resonant worlds. His dedication to detail and creative integrity has inspired generations of developers to tell bold, personal stories and continues to earn him acclaim far beyond the games industry.
In addition to his appearance at the EWC Festival, Hideo Kojima will take the stage at the New Global Sport Conference 2025 (NGSC), the flagship industry forum from the Esports World Cup Foundation hosted during the EWC’s closing weekend. Hideo Kojima will discuss the development of DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH and deliver exclusive insights into the game’s creation at the premier global event. He will be joined on stage by his longtime friend and collaborator, film maker Nicolas Winding Refn, who portrayed the character Heartman in DEATH STRANDING.
The Esports World Cup Festival is a global celebration of gaming and esports culture. From esports tournaments and live music stages to retro arcades, anime cafes, cosplay shows and creator studios, the EWC Festival invites millions to explore and play together in the heart of Riyadh during the Esports World Cup.
The Esports World Cup 2025 features 2,000 elite players and 200 Clubs from over 100 countries, competing in 25 tournaments across 24 games for a record-breaking $70+ million prize pool.
