Hideo Kojima reportedly rewrote the script for *Death Stranding 2* midway through development because he felt it had become "too mainstream." Discover why Kojima made this pivotal change and how the sequel manages to be both widely accessible and uniquely radical.
Kojima Found *Death Stranding 2* "Not Polarizing Enough"
Mid-Development Script Rewrite
*Death Stranding 2: On the Beach* underwent a significant creative shift after director Hideo Kojima grew concerned the project was verging on "too mainstream." Previous reports indicate Kojima was even unsettled by the game's early positive previews, as his ambition was to craft provocative art, not just another blockbuster hit.
Composer Yoann Lemoine, known professionally as Woodkid, elaborated on this in a June 13th interview with *Rolling Stone*. "There was a pivotal moment, roughly halfway through development, when he came to me and said, ‘We have a problem,'" Woodkid revealed.
According to Woodkid, Kojima interpreted overly favorable internal testing results as a warning sign. The director felt the narrative wasn't generating the intense, divisive reactions he sought, leading him to rewrite key story moments. "If everyone likes something immediately, it's conventional—pre-digested for mass appeal," Kojima argued. His goal was to create an experience audiences might initially resist, believing that true, lasting appreciation would follow.
A Blend of Mainstream Appeal and Radical Vision
Woodkid went on to describe the unique tension that defines *Death Stranding 2*, noting Kojima himself embodies a paradox of being both mainstream and radical. "Achieving mainstream success usually requires compromise," Woodkid explained. "But Hideo has absolutely no regard for that. He refuses to compromise, executing his exact vision with the confidence of a true auteur."
Despite his strong personal direction, Woodkid emphasized that Kojima actively incorporates his team's ideas. "He shapes his world collaboratively. It's never just him dictating orders. Our process was a constant dialogue—I would feed him ideas, and together we would refine and edit."
Inspiring a New Generation of Creators
With the sequel's upcoming release, Woodkid believes it will inspire developers much like the *Metal Gear* series and the first *Death Stranding* did. He suspects, however, that directly copying Kojima's distinctive style will prove difficult for others.
Woodkid also predicts Kojima's work will become a major reference point for filmmakers. "It wouldn't be surprising to see him become a powerful source of inspiration for directors. The film world is genuinely envious of his success, his unique vision, and its sheer radicality."
*Death Stranding 2: On The Beach* is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025. For the latest news and updates on the game, be sure to read our dedicated coverage below.
