Hideo Kojima on Death Stranding 2: 'Thrilled to Complete the Game'

Video games have long transcended mere action and thrills, evolving into profound explorations of complex themes. Hideo Kojima, the creative mind behind the Metal Gear Solid series, delved into the dual concepts of division and connection with his groundbreaking title, Death Stranding. Released in a pre-pandemic world, the game's innovative delivery-focused gameplay and deeply conceptual narrative opened new avenues for storytelling in gaming. Now, as the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, gears up for its June 26, 2025 release, Kojima revisits the pivotal question: "Should we have connected?" This query becomes even more intricate against the backdrop of our increasingly divided world.

The development of Death Stranding 2 took place during the unique challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. This period forced Kojima to re-evaluate the essence of "connection." How did he reinterpret this concept while navigating the complexities of technology, production environments, and the evolving nature of human relationships? These are the questions we sought to explore.

In an exclusive interview, Kojima sheds light on his philosophical approach to crafting the sequel's narrative. He discusses elements left behind from the original game and those he chose to carry forward into Death Stranding 2. Additionally, he reflects on contemporary society's relationship with his work, offering insights into how the real-world context has influenced his creative process.

Hideo Kojima will soon release Death Stranding 2. Photo by Lorne Thomson/Redferns.