Kojima Delighted to Complete Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Video games have transcended their origins as mere action-packed, adrenaline-fueled adventures, evolving into profound narratives that challenge our perspectives. Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind the Metal Gear Solid series, introduced the world to Death Stranding, a game that delved into the themes of division and connection in a pre-pandemic era. Its groundbreaking story structure and innovative delivery-focused movement mechanics opened up a new realm of possibilities in gaming.

As we approach the release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach on June 26, 2025, Kojima revisits these themes with an even more complex question: "Should we have connected?" Given the increasing divisions in our world, we sought to understand Kojima's stance on crafting the narrative for this sequel.

The development of Death Stranding 2 unfolded amidst the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. This unique context forced Kojima to reevaluate the concept of "connection." How did he reshape this idea while grappling with technology, production environments, and the evolving nature of human relationships?

In this insightful interview, 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 influenced his vision for Death Stranding 2.