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

Video games have long transcended mere action-packed adventures, and Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding masterfully explored the themes of division and connection in a pre-pandemic world. With its groundbreaking narrative and innovative delivery-focused gameplay, the game opened up new realms of possibility. Now, with the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, set to release on June 26, 2025, Kojima delves even deeper into the question: "Should we have connected?" As global divisions continue to widen, we sought to understand Kojima's stance on this theme as he crafted the narrative for the new game.

The development of Death Stranding 2 took place amidst the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. This unique context forced Kojima to reevaluate the concept of "connection" and to reconstruct it, taking into account his evolving understanding of technology, production environments, and the intricate dynamics of human relationships. How did these factors influence his vision for the game?

In this exclusive interview, Hideo Kojima shares insights into his philosophical approach to the game's production. He discusses elements from the original Death Stranding 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.