Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind the Metal Gear series, recently shared his thoughts on the sustainability of his creative career and the current "crunch time" for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Through a series of posts on X/Twitter, the 61-year-old game developer expressed his fatigue and described the intense phase of game development known as "crunch time."
Crunch time, a period where game developers often work extended hours and even on days off, has been a controversial topic in the industry. Despite many studios pledging to avoid such practices, Kojima openly acknowledged that he and his team at Kojima Productions are currently experiencing it. "The most demanding period of game development — both physically and mentally — commonly known as 'crunch time,'" Kojima stated. He elaborated on the myriad tasks piling up during this phase, including mixing, Japanese voice recording, writing comments, explanations, essays, interviews, discussions, and non-game-related work, calling it "incredibly tough."
Although Kojima did not specifically mention Death Stranding 2, it is the most likely project in the crunch phase, given its planned release in 2025. Other projects like OD and Physint are reportedly in earlier stages of development and do not have set release dates.
The most demanding period of game development—both physically and mentally—commonly known as “crunch time.” On top of mixing and Japanese voice recording, there’s an inevitable pile of other tasks: writing comments, explanations, essays, interviews, discussions, and… https://t.co/FrXRgaS748
— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) January 10, 2025
Interestingly, Kojima's reflection on his career longevity seems to be influenced not by the current crunch period but by his recent purchase of a Ridley Scott biography. "At this age, I can't help but think about how much longer I'll be able to stay 'creative,'" Kojima pondered. He expressed a desire to continue his work for the rest of his life, yet wondered whether he has 10 or 20 more years left. He drew inspiration from Ridley Scott, who at 87 remains active and created the masterpiece Gladiator past the age of 60.
Despite nearing four decades in the industry, Kojima remains determined to keep pushing forward, which should reassure fans about his retirement prospects. In September, an extended look at Death Stranding 2 gameplay showcased the game's unique elements, including a quirky photo mode, dancing puppet men, and a character portrayed by George Miller, known for directing Mad Max. Additionally, in January, an introduction to the game's story was shared, though many details remain shrouded in mystery due to its complex themes.
Kojima has confirmed which characters will not be returning in Death Stranding 2. IGN's review of the original game gave it a 6/10, praising its fascinating world of supernatural sci-fi but noting that its gameplay struggled to support its ambitious narrative.
