Metal Gear Creator Hideo Kojima Questions How Long He Can Stay Creative as Death Stranding 2 Dev Endures Crunch

Renowned game creator Hideo Kojima recently shared his reflections on creativity and the demanding nature of game development, revealing that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is currently in "crunch time." In a series of X/Twitter posts, Kojima described this period as "the most demanding period of game development—both physically and mentally." He detailed the intense workload, encompassing tasks beyond game development itself, including voice recording, writing, interviews, and other non-game related work.

While Kojima didn't explicitly name Death Stranding 2 as the project experiencing crunch, it's the most likely candidate given its anticipated 2025 release date and the typical timing of crunch periods towards the end of development. His other projects, OD and Physint, are seemingly in earlier stages.

Kojima's comments about crunch weren't solely focused on his current workload. The purchase of a Ridley Scott biography appears to have sparked broader contemplation on his own creative longevity. At 61, he questioned how much longer he can remain creatively active, stating, "At this age, I can't help but think about how much longer I'll be able to stay 'creative.'" He expressed a desire to continue his work for many years to come, citing Ridley Scott's continued success at 87 as inspiration.

Despite the challenges, Kojima's message to fans is reassuring: he remains committed to his creative endeavors, even after nearly four decades in the industry. Death Stranding 2 continues to generate anticipation, with a September gameplay showcase revealing its signature blend of bizarre elements, including a unique photo mode, unusual characters, and the involvement of director George Miller. While story details remain shrouded in mystery, Kojima has confirmed some character absences. The first Death Stranding received a 6/10 review from IGN, praising its world-building but noting gameplay shortcomings.