Kojima Delighted to Complete Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

It's been some time since video games transcended mere action-packed, adrenaline-pumping experiences. Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind Metal Gear Solid, introduced a groundbreaking concept with Death Stranding, exploring the themes of division and connection in a pre-pandemic world. The game's innovative story structure and unique delivery-focused movement mechanics opened up new avenues for gaming.

In the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, set to release on June 26, 2025, Kojima delves deeper into the same question but with increased complexity: "Should we have connected?" As we approach the release date, we're eager to understand Kojima's stance on this theme, especially given the growing divisions in our world.

The development of Death Stranding 2 took place during the unprecedented circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic. This unique situation prompted Kojima to re-evaluate the concept of "connection." He had to navigate his understanding of technology, production environments, and the nature of our relationships with each other. How did these challenges influence his reconstruction of 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 what elements from the original game were left behind and which ones have been carried forward into Death Stranding 2. He also reflects on contemporary society and its connection to his games.