It's been a while since video games were merely action-packed, adrenaline-pumping adventures. Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind Metal Gear Solid, introduced a new dimension with Death Stranding, exploring the themes of division and connection in a pre-pandemic world. Its highly conceptual narrative and innovative delivery-centered movement mechanics opened up new possibilities in gaming.
In its sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, set to release on June 26, 2025, Kojima delves deeper into the same question but in a more complex manner: "Should we have connected?" As the release date approaches, we are eager to understand Kojima's stance on the story's creation, especially given the growing divisions in our world.
The development of Death Stranding 2 took place under the unique circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic. This period led Kojima to re-evaluate the concept of "connection." He had to reconstruct his understanding of technology, production environments, and the essence of our relationships with one another. How did these unprecedented conditions influence his approach to the theme of connection in the game?
Hideo Kojima will soon release Death Stranding 2. Photo by Lorne Thomson/Redferns.
In this interview, Kojima shares his philosophical approach to the game's production, discussing elements from the original game that have been carried forward into the sequel, and how contemporary society's dynamics are reflected in his work.
