It's been a while since video games were merely action-packed, nerve-wracking experiences. The mastermind behind Metal Gear Solid, Hideo Kojima, introduced themes of division and connection with Death Stranding in a pre-pandemic world. Its highly conceptual story structure and innovative delivery-centered movement mechanics opened up new possibilities in gaming.
In the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, set for release on June 26, 2025, Kojima delves deeper into these themes, asking a more complex question: "Should we have connected?" As global divisions continue to widen, we explore Kojima's stance on this issue through the lens of his narrative development.
The development of Death Stranding 2 occurred amidst the unprecedented circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic. This backdrop forced Kojima to reconsider the meaning of "connection." How did he reconstruct this concept while grappling with his understanding of technology, production environments, and the nature of our relationships with one another?
In this interview, Kojima discusses his philosophy that framed the game's production. He reflects on what elements were left behind from the original game and which were carried forward into the sequel. Additionally, he addresses how contemporary society and its dynamics influence his game design.