Rumours are emerging that Kojima Productions' next game could be published by Microsoft.

That's according to GamesBeat, which reports that Hideo Kojima is in discussions with Xbox about the launch of his next project. The outlet cites "a source familiar with the matter" so this information might not have been corroborated.

Apparently, Phil Spencer having a Homo Ludens statue – Kojima Productions' mascot – on his shelf in a recent stream is a reference to the fact this might be happening; this does seem silly until you realise that Spencer is known for showing or referencing upcoming news in this way. In fact, the Microsoft games boss previously had an Xbox Series S console in the background of a broadcast last year, ahead of its reveal.

A deal between Microsoft and Kojima Productions could be a way for the Xbox firm to tap into the Japanese games market.

Last year, there were reports that Microsoft was eying Japanese studio acquisitions to help it see more success in that part of the world. Days later, Spencer said that those reports were "not accurate" but the exec has expressed interest in buying a Japanese studio in the past. A publishing partnership would certainly be one way of having more involvement in the Japanese games scene without an actual acquisition.

Kojima Productions was established at the end of 2015 by Konami vet Hideo Kojima. The venture was set up with the help of PlayStation maker Sony Interactive Entertainment, with whom Kojima Productions' debut – Death Stranding – was exclusive with on console. The title has since come to PC via 505 Games.