Video games have evolved far beyond mere action-packed thrill rides, with Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding setting a new benchmark by exploring the themes of division and connection in a pre-pandemic world. Its groundbreaking narrative structure and innovative delivery-focused gameplay mechanics opened up a realm of new possibilities for interactive storytelling.
In the eagerly awaited sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Kojima delves deeper into the existential question: "Should we have connected?" As the release date of June 26, 2025, approaches, we're keen to understand how Kojima's perspective has evolved amidst the growing divisions in our society.
The development of Death Stranding 2 took place during the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. This unique context forced Kojima to re-evaluate the concept of "connection." How did he reinterpret this theme while grappling with the realities of technology, remote production environments, and the evolving nature of human relationships?
In this exclusive interview, Kojima shares insights into the philosophical underpinnings of the game's development, what elements from the original were left behind and what was carried forward into the sequel, and how contemporary societal issues are reflected in his creative vision.
