Hideo Kojima Talks Death Stranding 2: On the Beach: 'I’m Just Really Happy We Can Finish Making the Game'

Video games have long transcended their roots as mere action-packed thrill rides, evolving into platforms for deep storytelling and philosophical exploration. Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind the Metal Gear Solid series, broke new ground with Death Stranding, a game that explored the dual themes of division and connection in a pre-pandemic world. Its unique narrative structure and innovative delivery-based mechanics opened up a plethora of new possibilities within the gaming landscape.

In the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, set to release on June 26, 2025, Kojima delves deeper into the complex question: "Should we have connected?" As the world continues to grapple with growing divisions, we sought to understand Kojima's stance on crafting the game's narrative under these evolving societal conditions.

The development of Death Stranding 2 took place amidst the extraordinary circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic. This period forced Kojima to reevaluate the concept of "connection" and rebuild it within the game, taking into account his evolving perspectives on technology, production environments, and the essence of human relationships.

In an insightful interview, Kojima discusses his philosophical approach to the game's development, reflecting on elements left behind from the original game and those carried forward into the sequel. He also touches on contemporary society and its intricate relationship with his creative works.