With the approaching release of "Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes", the game's director Hideo Kojima discussed the new features of the upcoming game.

According to a report on Cinemablend, one of the in-game features of "Ground Zeroes" is the iDroid. This device allows Snake to listen to cassette tapes he collects during his missions and to view maps of various areas.

But this informational device isn't restricted to the game alone. Players can gain access to it using their smartphone or tablet devices after downloading the game's mobile app. This is part of Kojima's vision to expand the world of "Metal Gear Solid". He said, "For a long time the console was in your and the game was confined to that world alone. Now we've shattered those boundaries."

The iDroid can be downloaded for free for the iOS, Android and SmartGlass. Aside from using recordings and viewing maps, players can also use the device to request air support, Prima Games reported.   

However, the director cautioned that using the iDroid during the game might lead to dangerous situations for Snake. "Like with the radio, the game won't pause while you're [looking] at the iDroid. If you're spotted while you're looking at your iDROID, you will be shot."

Kojima continued, "So, players need to be aware of their surroundings at all times and be careful while using the device. Using the app on tablets or smartphones adds a new dimension, since the player themselves will be looking between the terminal in their hands and the action on-screen. Also, the cassette tapes that players find in game can be played on tablets or smartphones within the app. This allows players to review the content whenever they want even when away from the game."

Aside from these, the game will also be utilizing the social aspects of the next-gen consoles such as the PS4 Share Button and the Xbox One Twitch App. Due to the open-world gameplay of "Ground Zeroes", players can share their in-game experiences to other gamers.

Kojima explained, "In an open world, each player will have their own unique way of clearing missions, and can share that experience with others. Players can swap tips or enjoy watching other routes others have discovered, and openly help each other with missions."

He added, "If 100 people play the same mission, there will be a 100 different stories to tell. These shared experiences bring the game to a truly 'open world' experience. By sharing their gameplay, players can continually craft and refine their own strategies. This, above all else, is what I would like to achieve"

"Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes", a prologue for "Metal Gear Solid V: Phantom Pain", is set for release on March 18 in North America and on March 20 in Europe.