Kojima Delighted to Complete Death Stranding 2: 'Really Happy We Can Finish'

Video games have long transcended their origins as mere action-packed thrill rides. Hideo Kojima, the creative mind behind the Metal Gear Solid series, introduced a profound exploration of division and connection with Death Stranding. Released in a pre-pandemic world, the game's highly conceptual narrative and innovative delivery-centric mechanics opened up new avenues for gaming. Now, as the release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach approaches on June 26, 2025, Kojima revisits these themes with an even more complex question: "Should we have connected?" Given the ever-widening divisions in our world, we sought to understand the stance Kojima took in crafting the sequel's story.

The development of Death Stranding 2 took place under the unique challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. This period forced Kojima to reevaluate the concept of "connection." How did he reconstruct this idea while grappling with his evolving understanding of technology, production environments, and the nature of human relationships?

In an insightful interview, Kojima delves into the philosophical underpinnings of the game's production. He discusses elements from the original Death Stranding that have been carried forward into the sequel, as well as how contemporary societal issues have influenced his creative process. This reflection offers a glimpse into the mind of a visionary game designer as he navigates the complexities of our interconnected yet divided world.