Video games have evolved far beyond mere action-packed, adrenaline-fueled experiences. Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind the Metal Gear Solid series, introduced a profound exploration of division and connection with Death Stranding. Set in a pre-pandemic world, its highly conceptual narrative and innovative delivery-focused mechanics opened up new avenues for gaming. Now, with the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, set to launch on June 26, 2025, Kojima delves deeper into the complex question: "Should we have connected?" As divisions in our world continue to widen, we were keen to understand Kojima's evolving perspective on this theme.
The development of Death Stranding 2 unfolded during the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. This unique context prompted Kojima to re-evaluate the concept of "connection." How did he reshape this theme while grappling with new insights into technology, production environments, and the essence of human relationships?
In an exclusive interview, Kojima shares his philosophical approach to the game's creation. He discusses elements from the original game that were left behind and those that have been carried forward into the sequel. Furthermore, he reflects on contemporary society and its intricate connection to his games, providing insights into how these themes resonate with today's world.
