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Hideo Kojima and Guillermo Del Toro almost collaborated with Junji Ito in what could have become the most terrifying horror game ever created

Hideo Kojima and Guillermo Del Toro almost collaborated with Junji Ito in what could have become the most terrifying horror game ever created

In the world of video games, few names evoke as much respect as Hideo Kojima. He is a master of his craft and is renowned for his ability to blend storytelling and emotional experiences. Then there’s Guillermo Del Toro, a visionary director known for his unique ability to explore the deep, dark side of human nature and horror through striking visuals and emotional depth.

The image shows the haunting environment of the Silent Hill 2 remake (gamers are still comparing this title to Hideo Kojima's canceled Silent Hills)
Gamers are still disappointed by the cancellation of 2014’s Silent Hill Project. | Image Credit: Silent Hill 2 Remake from Bloober Team

The mere idea of ​​the two of them collaborating is enough to send fans into a frenzy. In 2012, these two almost collaborated with legendary horror mangaka Junji Ito, forming a triple threat. This dream team was going to work on an ambitious project called Silent hillsintended to revive the legendary silent Hill franchise in 2012. However, the project was canceled in 2015 and left behind a memorable playable teaser (TP.).

What Hideo Kojima’s vision could have brought to horror gaming

The image shows the main character walking on the foggy street in Silent Hill 2 Remake.
Kojima and Konami fell out over another project, leading to the cancellation of the Silent Hill project. | Image Credit: Silent Hill 2 Remake from Bloober Team

Hideo Kojima and Guillermo Del Toro are both masters of their craft, renowned for their ability to blend storytelling and visceral experiences. So when in 2012, Silent hills was announced, players were not only very excited to see the revival of the beloved silent Hill series but also to see what the two will bring to the table. During E3 2014 they released a TPa playable teaser that served as a haunting introduction to the game.

The teaser featured a claustrophobic, looping environment filled with creatures and nightmarish visuals. From the first preview, players were captivated by its innovative yet haunting design and spooky atmosphere, raising very high expectations for the full game.

Kojima had a clear goal of creating a game that would take the franchise in a new direction, incorporating psychological horror with the twisted elements characteristic of Junji Ito’s works. With Del Toro’s involvement, players were confident that the cutscenes would be high quality and filled with emotional depth and fear.

The collaborative potential of their combined talents was astonishing to say the least, and fans couldn’t wait to see what would unfold. However, although he showed great potential and received great reception from fans for TP, Silent hills was abruptly canceled in 2015. The reason for this cancellation stems from the fallout between Kojima and Konami.

The Haunting Legacy of Silent Hills

The image shows a player shooting a monster in the Silent Hill 2 remake.
Players always compare PT’s hauntingly beautiful scene to current versions. | Image Credit: Silent Hill 2 Remake from Bloober Team

Kojima’s unique blend of complex gameplay, Del Toro’s atmospheric storytelling, and Ito’s haunting artistic visuals could have redefined horror in video games. However, instead of restarting the silent Hill franchise, this ambitious project became one of the most infamous cancellations in video game history.

While all creators have moved on to create magic in their respective fields, players still think about the nightmarish landscapes, psychologically complex characters, and exhilarating themes that could have emerged from this dream collaboration.

Although the game has been canceled for almost a decade, gamers are still comparing recent titles from silent Hill to now deleted TPremembering the legacy of the canceled greatest project and showing their deep desire for an innovative horror experience that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay like the TP did.

Ultimately, as the video game industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, fans still wonder what could have been and hope that the remaining spirit of this ambitious innovation and collaboration will inspire more new terrifying gaming experiences in the years to come.

What is your favorite horror game franchise? Tell us in the comments section below.