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

Video games have evolved far beyond 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 themes of division and connection in a pre-pandemic era. Its groundbreaking narrative structure and innovative delivery-focused gameplay opened up new avenues in gaming. Now, with the upcoming release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach slated for June 26, 2025, Kojima delves deeper into the question, "Should we have connected?" As societal divisions continue to widen, we were eager to explore Kojima's stance on this theme in the sequel.

The development of Death Stranding 2 took place amidst the unique challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. This period forced Kojima to re-evaluate the concept of "connection." How did he reshape this idea while grappling with the realities of technology, remote production environments, and the evolving nature of human relationships?

In an exclusive interview, Kojima shares insights into his philosophical approach to the game's development. He discusses what elements from the original game were left behind and which were carried forward into the sequel. Additionally, he reflects on contemporary society and its intricate relationship with his games.