Hideo Kojima, the iconic game designer celebrated for his innovative narratives and ideas, has recently unveiled captivating insights into his subconscious via personal dream records. Over the weekend, Kojima disclosed on Twitter that he has “always” experienced nightmares, a subject he touched upon while getting ready for his first keynote speech in five years at the forthcoming GDC Festival of Gaming 2026. This can be perceived as both a personal disclosure and an insight into his creative psyche, as he rediscovered past dream entries on his device from nine years ago.
Kojima mentioned that his efforts to alleviate nightmares by chronicling his dreams have not been fruitful, yet the notes offer a striking glimpse into the imagination of one of the gaming industry’s most impactful figures. He shared the difficulty of expressing dreams verbally, remarking, “It’s challenging to convey a vague dream in words,” but the two documented entries distinctly showcase vivid and surreal imagery.
The first dream entry, dated January 3, 2017, evolves into a peculiar story set on a film set. In this dream, Kojima is bitten on the arm by an odd, furry creature resembling a floating ball. The conflict with this shapeshifting being becomes a pivotal aspect, as it changes into different forms before finally turning into a plastic card that ends up in Kojima’s grasp. He questions the essence of the creature, speculating if it could be “a being from outer space” or “an artifact from the fourth dimension,” reflecting his inclination to merge science fiction elements with personal encounters.
The following dream entry from January 4, 2017, places Kojima in a hot spring resort, settling into a lodging house. The narrative takes an unusual twist as he strives to clean the dirt-filled streets, meeting vivid characters such as “sensuous nude women” and “wounded elderly men who converse in foreign tongues.” The dream takes a sinister turn when Kojima stumbles upon decaying bodies buried in the earth, which then follow him to his new home. The scenario intensifies when the corpses inexplicably turn into young men in relay racing uniforms upon the arrival of their enraged coach.
Through these shared dreams, Kojima not only welcomes fans into the strange realms of his mind but also evokes intrigue regarding the possible meanings behind these surreal happenings. The multi-layered symbolism and narrative intricacy within his dreams reflect the narrative and thematic richness found in his video games. As he readies himself for his keynote presentation, it is yet to be determined how these nightly visions might impact his future works and continue to influence the realm of interactive entertainment.
