Estate Planning Lessons from Video Game Legend Hideo Kojima

When most people think of “estate planning,” they picture legal documents — wills, trusts, powers of attorney. And yes, those things are important. But true legacy planning is about much more than paperwork.

Recently, I came across a story that beautifully illustrates this.

Hideo Kojima is one of the most influential video game creators in the world, known for titles like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, which have been played by millions of people worldwide. But even if you’ve never touched a video game, his recent actions offer an important lesson about how we think about the future.

During the pandemic, Kojima fell seriously ill — an experience that forced him to confront a difficult question many of us prefer to avoid:

How much time do I have left?

Rather than ignore it, he made a deeply intentional choice. He entrusted his assistant with a USB drive containing all of his personal creative ideas — essentially a blueprint his team could use to continue his work if he was no longer able.

While this isn’t a legal will, Kojima created something incredibly meaningful: an ethical will.

What’s an Ethical Will?

A legal will handles your financial and legal affairs — who inherits your assets, how property is distributed, who manages your estate.

An ethical will (sometimes called a legacy letter or values statement) passes on something different:

• Your values
• Your wisdom
• Your personal story
• The lessons you want your loved ones — or your team — to carry forward

It’s not a legally binding document. But for many families, it becomes one of the most treasured pieces of their loved one’s legacy.

Why This Matters For All of Us

You don’t have to be a world-famous game designer to think about what you want to leave behind.

We all have experiences, lessons, and stories that shape who we are — and can continue guiding the people we love long after we’re gone. Capturing that intentionally can be a priceless gift to your family.

3 Simple Ways to Start Preserving Your Legacy

1.) Record a Legacy Interview.

Most of my clients go through a Legacy Interview as part of their estate plan — and many say it’s one of the most meaningful parts of the entire process. It’s a simple, guided conversation where you get to share your personal stories, values, and life lessons in your own words and voice. The experience often becomes a gift not just for your loved ones in the future, but even for you in the present.

You don’t have to wait to work with an attorney to start capturing your stories. Some people choose to record conversations on their own, or use services like Generational Story that guide you through creating your personal audio or video legacy.

2.) Write a Legacy Letter.

A legacy letter can be a heartfelt message to your children, grandchildren, or anyone important to you, sharing your life lessons, values, and hopes for their future. You can handwrite it, record it, or even upload digital copies to family history sites like Ancestry.com for future generations to find.
Some people also use services like Storyworth, which send you weekly prompts to help you capture your memories and turn them into a beautiful keepsake book for your family.

3.) Have the Conversation.

Sometimes the most meaningful legacy is passed on through simple, everyday conversations — sharing family stories at dinner, talking about life experiences, or answering your children’s questions about decisions you’ve made. These moments can create powerful, lasting memories for the people you love.

Legacy Is More Than Just the Money You Leave Behind

At AMO LAW, we believe your estate plan should protect more than just your finances and should be about more than just documents. Yes, legal documents are important — but they’re only part of the picture. A complete Life & Legacy plan should also capture your values, your voice, and the heart of what matters most to you, so your loved ones aren’t just left with instructions, but with meaningful guidance that lives on.

Whether you’re building a business, raising a family, or simply reflecting on the life you’ve lived — your story deserves to be heard.

One of the ways we do this is through a Legacy Interview — a simple, heartfelt conversation where you get to share your personal stories, life lessons, and messages for your family. Long after your financial assets are distributed, this part of your plan will continue to comfort, guide, and inspire your loved ones.

Because ultimately, true legacy isn’t just about what we leave behind.
It’s about what we leave within the people we care about.

If you’ve ever wondered how to ensure your own story lives on, I invite you to reach out. It’s never too early — or too late — to start shaping a legacy that reflects your values, your love, and your life.

Book your Discovery Call and start your Legacy journey

Image via IGN / Kojima Productions (used for commentary/educational purposes)

This article is a service of AMO LAW, Personal Family Lawyer® firm. We do not just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session for just $497. 

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.