It's been some time since video games transcended their roots as purely action-packed, adrenaline-fueled experiences. Hideo Kojima, the genius behind the Metal Gear Solid series, introduced a profound exploration of division and connection with Death Stranding, set in a world before the global pandemic. Its innovative story structure and unique delivery-based movement mechanics opened up a realm of new possibilities in gaming.
In the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, set to release on June 26, 2025, Kojima delves deeper into the theme, posing a complex question: "Should we have connected?" As we approach the release date, we're eager to understand the stance Kojima has taken in crafting the narrative, especially given the widening divisions in our society.
The development of Death Stranding 2 took place amidst the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. This period forced Kojima to reevaluate the concept of "connection." How did he reshape this idea while grappling with technology, production environments, and the essence of human relationships?
In this interview, Kojima discusses his philosophical approach to the game's development, the elements from the original game that he's carried forward, and how contemporary societal issues intersect with his vision for the game.
