"Kojima Confirms Death Stranding 3 Exists, But Won't Develop It"

Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind the Death Stranding series, has revealed intriguing details about the future of the franchise and his upcoming projects. While he has a concept for Death Stranding 3, Kojima confirmed he won't be the one to bring it to life, paving the way for potential sequels led by other developers.

Death Stranding 2 Sets the Stage for Endless Sequels

In an interview with VGC on May 8, Kojima discussed how Death Stranding 2 (DS2) introduces a concept called "Plate Gates," which could allow the series to explore different countries and generate endless sequels. He stated, "If I use this Plate Gate concept, I could make endless sequels." Although Kojima has a concept for Death Stranding 3, he has no plans to develop it himself, suggesting that he might pass the idea to another developer.

The Pandemic's Influence on Death Stranding 2's Theme

Kojima also shared how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the thematic direction of DS2. Released just months before global lockdowns in November 2019, the first Death Stranding game focused on the theme of connection, mirroring the real-world reliance on the internet during the crisis. However, Kojima noted that the same internet that connected people during the pandemic has also led to further division.

Reflecting on these changes, Kojima reconsidered the theme of connection in DS2, stating, "Maybe it’s not such a good thing to connect so much." This shift in perspective is hinted at through the game's logos: the first game's logo symbolizes "Let’s Connect," while DS2's suggests "We should not have connected."

Kojima's Future Projects

Despite stepping back from leading Death Stranding 3, Kojima is not slowing down. In December 2023, he and filmmaker Jordan Peele unveiled their new game, OD, in collaboration with Microsoft Game Studios. Kojima described this project as one he's been envisioning for years, requiring unprecedented infrastructure.

Additionally, Kojima announced a partnership with PlayStation for a "next-generation action espionage game," marking a new original IP. This project will celebrate his 40th anniversary in game production and aims to be the culmination of his career. Development will commence once DS2 is completed.

Fans can look forward to Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, set to release on June 26, 2025, for PlayStation 5. As Kojima continues to innovate and explore new themes, the gaming community eagerly awaits what's next from this legendary creator.