Kojima Confronts Creative Bounds in Death Stranding 2's Development

Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind the Metal Gear series, recently expressed concerns about his creative longevity while revealing that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is currently in "crunch time."

Kojima's reflections, shared via X/Twitter, began with an admission of fatigue, followed by a description of the demanding "crunch" period inherent in game development. This period, characterized by extended work hours and even weekend work, is a common but controversial aspect of the industry. While many studios have pledged to avoid crunch, Kojima's public acknowledgment of its impact on his team is unusual.

He described the process as "the most demanding period of game development—both physically and mentally," citing tasks beyond game development, such as writing, giving interviews, and handling other non-game-related work.

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

The most demanding period of game development—both physically and mentally—commonly known as “crunch time.” On top of mixing and Japanese voice recording, there’s an inevitable pile of other tasks: writing comments, explanations, essays, interviews, discussions, and… https://t.co/FrXRgaS748

— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) January 10, 2025

Kojima's contemplation of retirement doesn't seem directly linked to the current crunch. Instead, it appears to stem from reading a Ridley Scott biography, prompting reflection on his own career and the remaining time he has for creative pursuits. At 61, he questions how much longer he can maintain his creative output, stating, "At this age, I can't help but think about how much longer I'll be able to stay 'creative.'" However, he remains committed to continuing his work, drawing inspiration from Ridley Scott's continued success at an advanced age.

Despite nearly four decades in the industry, Kojima shows no immediate signs of slowing down. September brought an extended gameplay preview of Death Stranding 2, showcasing its signature bizarre style, including a unique photo mode, dancing puppet figures, and a character portrayed by George Miller. A January update provided further story details, though much remains mysterious. Kojima has, however, confirmed which characters will not be returning. The first Death Stranding, while praised for its unique world-building, received a 6/10 review from IGN, criticizing its gameplay.