Metal Gear Creator Hideo Kojima Questions How Long He Can Stay Creative as Death Stranding 2 Dev Endures Crunch

Legendary game creator Hideo Kojima recently shared his reflections on creativity and the demanding nature of game development, revealing that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is currently in "crunch time." In a series of X/Twitter posts, Kojima described the intense period as "the most demanding period of game development—both physically and mentally." He detailed the multitude of tasks beyond game development itself, including voice recording, writing, interviews, and various other non-game related work.

While Kojima didn't explicitly name Death Stranding 2, it's the most likely project currently experiencing crunch, given its 2025 release date and the typical timing of crunch periods towards the end of development. His other projects, OD and Physint, are seemingly in earlier stages of production.

Kojima's comments about crunch weren't solely focused on his potential retirement. Instead, his recent purchase of a Ridley Scott biography seems to have sparked reflection on his own longevity in the creative field. The 61-year-old acknowledged the uncertainty of how much longer he can maintain his creative drive, stating, "At this age, I can't help but think about how much longer I'll be able to stay 'creative.'" He expressed a desire to continue his work for years to come, citing Ridley Scott's continued success at 87 as inspiration.

Despite the challenges, Kojima's message to fans is clear: he remains committed to his craft and isn't planning an immediate retirement. A September gameplay showcase offered a glimpse into the bizarre and intriguing world of Death Stranding 2, featuring unique elements like a peculiar photo mode, dancing puppets, and a character portrayed by George Miller. While some story details were revealed in January, the game's complex narrative still holds many mysteries. Kojima has, however, confirmed which characters will not be returning.