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

It's been a while since video games transcended mere action-packed, nerve-wracking experiences. Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind Metal Gear Solid, introduced the themes of division and connection with Death Stranding during a pre-pandemic world. Its highly conceptual story structure and innovative delivery-centered movement mechanics opened up new possibilities in gaming.

In the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Kojima revisits the same question in a more complex form: "Should we have connected?" With its release date of June 26, 2025, fast approaching, we are eager to understand Kojima's stance on the narrative, especially as divisions in our world continue to widen.

The development of Death Stranding 2 took place amidst the unprecedented circumstances of the Covid pandemic. This period forced Kojima to reconsider the meaning of "connection" and reconstruct it, taking into account his understanding of technology, production environments, and the nature of our relationships with one another.

In this interview, Kojima discusses his philosophy that framed the game's production. He reflects on what was left behind from the previous game and what has been carried forward into the new one, as well as the relationship between contemporary society and his games.