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

Video games have long transcended the realm of mere action-packed adventures, and Hideo Kojima's masterpiece, Death Stranding, exemplified this evolution by exploring the dual themes of division and connection in a pre-pandemic world. The game's unique narrative structure and innovative delivery-focused mechanics opened up new avenues for gaming experiences. Now, with the upcoming sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, set to release on June 26, 2025, Kojima delves deeper into the same question but in a more complex manner: "Should we have connected?" As societal divides continue to widen, we are eager to understand Kojima's perspective on crafting the narrative for this sequel.

The development of Death Stranding 2 took place amidst the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. This unique situation prompted Kojima to reassess the concept of "connection." He had to navigate his understanding of technology, the dynamics of production environments, and the essence of human relationships. How did these factors influence his reconstruction of the theme of connection in the game?

In an exclusive interview, Hideo Kojima shares his philosophical approach to the game's production. He discusses elements from the original game that have been carried forward into the sequel, as well as how contemporary societal issues have shaped his vision for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.