Video games have long transcended the realm of mere action-packed adventures, evolving into profound explorations of complex themes. Hideo Kojima, the creative genius behind the Metal Gear Solid series, introduced the world to Death Stranding, a game that delves into the dualities of division and connection. Set in a pre-pandemic world, its innovative narrative and delivery-centric gameplay mechanics opened up new avenues for interactive storytelling. Now, with the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, set to release on June 26, 2025, Kojima further explores the question, "Should we have connected?" This query becomes even more pertinent as global divisions continue to deepen.
The development of Death Stranding 2 took place amidst the unique challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. This backdrop forced Kojima to reevaluate the concept of "connection." How did he navigate the intricacies of technology, production environments, and human relationships to reconstruct the theme of connectivity in this new context? This question is central to understanding the evolution of the game's narrative and its relevance to contemporary society.
In an exclusive interview, Kojima shares insights into his philosophical approach to the game's development. He discusses what elements from the original game were left behind and which ones were carried forward into Death Stranding 2. Moreover, he reflects on how the game mirrors the current state of society and its ongoing struggles with connectivity and isolation.
