Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution and current state of renowned game designer Hideo Kojima, emphasizing his creative journey and the impact of age and experience on his work, particularly in relation to his latest project, "Death Stranding 2" [6][10][44]. Group 1: Hideo Kojima's Career and Influence - Hideo Kojima is recognized as a "genius game designer" with a unique ability to blend storytelling and gameplay, having created iconic series like "Metal Gear Solid" and innovative projects like "P.T." [16][17]. - Kojima's recent works reflect a deep engagement with themes of connection and communication, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which influenced his creative direction for "Death Stranding 2" [13][14][36]. - The article highlights Kojima's desire for his games to provoke thought and discussion, rather than simply conforming to mainstream expectations [23][38]. Group 2: Creative Process and Philosophy - Kojima's creative process is characterized by a focus on the player's experience and the importance of "serendipity" in game design, which he believes is often lost in modern gaming [36][41]. - He views games as interactive art forms that facilitate unique connections between players, allowing for diverse interpretations and experiences [25][42]. - The article notes that Kojima's commitment to his artistic vision sometimes leads him to challenge conventional gaming norms, aiming to create experiences that resonate on a deeper level [39][40]. Group 3: Future Aspirations and Legacy - Despite facing health challenges, Kojima remains dedicated to his craft, expressing a desire to continue creating until the end of his life [44][46]. - He hopes to inspire future game developers by sharing his creative ideas, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and the interconnectedness of artistic expression [46][48]. - The article concludes by suggesting that Kojima's influence extends beyond his own creations, as he contributes to a broader dialogue about the role of games in society and their potential to shape cultural narratives [49][50].

Group 1 - Apple plans to launch a new gaming application at the upcoming WWDC 2025, aimed at enhancing the gaming experience on its devices [1] - The application will serve as a game launcher and will include features such as integrated achievements, global leaderboards, and management of game friends, similar to Microsoft's Xbox program [5] - Approximately two-thirds of Apple's App Store revenue comes from games and in-app purchases, indicating the significance of gaming in Apple's business model [5] Group 2 - Despite Apple's efforts in the gaming sector, it is not perceived as a major player in the gaming industry, with many developers and gamers still favoring Windows for high-end gaming experiences [6] - Apple has recently acquired Canadian independent game studio RAC7, marking its first foray into game content creation, which may enhance its gaming portfolio [6][8] - RAC7 is known for its creative puzzle games and has developed popular titles for Apple Arcade, indicating a strategic move by Apple to strengthen its gaming content offerings [8]