It's been a while since videogames were merely action-packed, nerve-wracking experiences. Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind Metal Gear Solid, introduced a new dimension with Death Stranding, exploring the themes of division and connection in a pre-pandemic world. Its highly conceptual narrative and innovative delivery-centered movement mechanics opened up fresh possibilities in gaming.
In the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Kojima delves deeper into the question, "Should we have connected?" As the release date of June 26, 2025 approaches, we are keen to understand Kojima's stance on this theme, especially as global divisions continue to widen.
The development of Death Stranding 2 took place during the unprecedented circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic. This unique backdrop prompted Kojima to reconsider the concept of "connection." How did he reconstruct this idea while grappling with his understanding of technology, production environments, and the evolving nature of our relationships?
In this interview, Kojima shares his philosophy that framed the game's production. He discusses what elements were left behind from the original game and what has been carried forward into the new installment. Additionally, he reflects on contemporary society and its relationship to his games.