It's been a while since video games transcended mere action-packed, adrenaline-pumping experiences. Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind the Metal Gear Solid series, introduced a groundbreaking narrative with Death Stranding, exploring themes of division and connection in a pre-pandemic world. The game's conceptual storytelling and innovative delivery-focused movement mechanics opened up new avenues for gaming.
In its sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Kojima delves even deeper into these themes, posing a more complex question: "Should we have connected?" With the release date set for June 26, 2025, approaching rapidly, we wanted to explore Kojima's stance on the narrative in light of the growing divisions in our world.
The development of Death Stranding 2 took place under the extraordinary circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic. This unique situation led Kojima to reevaluate the concept of "connection." How did he reinterpret this idea while grappling with his understanding of technology, production environments, and the nature of our relationships with one another?
Hideo Kojima will soon release Death Stranding 2. Photo by Lorne Thomson/Redferns.
In this interview, Kojima discusses his philosophical approach to the game's production, what elements were left behind from the original and carried forward into the sequel, and how contemporary society influences his vision for the game.
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