Hideo Kojima on Death Stranding 2: 'Thrilled to Complete the Game'

Video games have long transcended their roots as mere action-packed thrill rides. Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind the Metal Gear Solid series, introduced the world to Death Stranding, a game that explored the dual themes of division and connection in a pre-pandemic era. Its groundbreaking narrative structure and innovative delivery-based movement mechanics opened new avenues for what video games could be.

With the upcoming sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, set for release on June 26, 2025, Kojima delves deeper into the complex question: "Should we have connected?" As societal divisions continue to widen, we sought to understand Kojima's stance on the narrative he crafted amidst these growing rifts.

The development of Death Stranding 2 took place during the unprecedented times of the Covid-19 pandemic. This unique backdrop forced Kojima to reassess the concept of "connection." How did he reinterpret this theme while navigating the challenges of technology, altered production environments, and evolving human relationships?

In an insightful interview, Kojima shares his philosophical approach to the game's production. He discusses elements from the original game that have been carried forward into the sequel, as well as how contemporary societal issues are reflected in his work. This conversation provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a creator who continues to push the boundaries of storytelling in video games.