Hideo Kojima: 'Thrilled to Complete Death Stranding 2: On the Beach'

Video games have long transcended their reputation as mere action-packed thrill rides. Hideo Kojima, the creative force behind the Metal Gear Solid series, revolutionized the gaming landscape with Death Stranding, a game that delved into the themes of division and connection in a pre-pandemic world. Its unique narrative structure and groundbreaking delivery-focused movement mechanics opened up new realms of possibility in gaming.

With the upcoming sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, set to release on June 26, 2025, Kojima revisits these themes with an even more intricate question: "Should we have connected?" As the release date approaches, we are eager to understand Kojima's stance on the story's development amidst the growing divisions in our world.

The development of Death Stranding 2 occurred during the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. This period forced Kojima to reevaluate the concept of "connection," prompting him to reconstruct its meaning within the game. He had to navigate his understanding of technology, adapt to new production environments, and reflect on the nature of our relationships with each other.

In this exclusive interview, Kojima shares his philosophy that shaped the production of the game. He discusses elements left behind from the original Death Stranding and how they have been carried forward into the sequel. Additionally, he reflects on contemporary society and its evolving relationship with his games.