Hideo Kojima is widely recognized as one of gaming’s few true auteurs, as it is possible to recognize one of the Death Stranding 2 writer/director’s games instantly. Extremely long cinematics full of dialogue, convoluted narratives that tackle real-world themes, a unique sense of humor, and clever gameplay elements that embrace fourth-wall breaks are all part of Kojima’s repertoire. Like other auteurs, he is always trying to innovate and create works of art that are looked back upon fondly years after they make their debut, and understanding this focus on making art helps to explain comments that have recently confused those who are unfamiliar – or simply dislike – the type of creator Kojima is.
In the lead-up to Death Stranding 2’s debut, Hideo Kojima has had plenty to say, all of which has been heavily discussed given his level of fame and influence within the gaming industry. One interesting comment saw Hideo Kojima claiming in an interview with Edge Magazine (translated by GamesRadar) that 60% of playtesters thought the original Death Stranding “was a terrible game.” However, instead of overhauling aspects of the title, Kojima forged onward, even stating that he was pleased and that 40% of playtesters enjoying the game was actually a “good balance.” While many would likely be terrified by those statistics, Kojima is someone who strives to make games that are beloved by a select few as opposed to blockbusters that will be liked by the masses and sell millions of copies. With this outlook, it’s no wonder that the early feedback on Death Stranding 2 had him a bit shaken up.
Related
Death Stranding 2 Shows What Happens When a Developer Has Total Creative Freedom
Death Stranding 2 is proof that when developers are given total creative freedom, they can produce some of the most compelling worlds and narratives.
Why Death Stranding 2 Has Hideo Kojima Nervous
Even more recently than his comments on the original Death Stranding, information came out about Hideo Kojima overhauling Death Stranding 2 because too many playtesters loved their time with the game. This reveal came in a Rolling Stone interview with Woodkid, the musician handling a significant portion of the sequel’s soundtrack, who shared that Kojima’s immediate reaction to the positivity was that something was “wrong” with his follow-up to the 2019 original. This supposedly led to Kojima rewriting parts of the script and altering “crucial” aspects of the game so that it would be more “polarizing” and “trigger more emotions.” For those who do not get the love for Kojima, this statement has come off as strange and has seen people dubbing him a “contrarian,” but his fans will know this kind of risk-taking is both par for the course and something that tends to pay off.
Anyone who has followed Hideo Kojima and his career will know that “conventional” and “mainstream” are two words that do not describe him – and by extension, they are two words that do not describe his video games. Yes, Metal Gear Solid was hugely influential and changed the way video games approached storytelling and cinematics, but it is also a series filled with oddities that would be hard to find in other franchises – from the iconic-yet-goofy cardboard box to boss encounters like The End and Psycho Mantis. Add on Kojima’s bold marketing strategies, from creating a fake game studio to make Metal Gear Solid 5’s reveal more surprising to the tremendous PT, and it’s no wonder why Kojima is so determined to keep subverting expectations – it’s who he is, and it’s why his fans adore him and his work.
Why Kojima’s Concerns About DS2 Make Perfect Sense
While many outsiders may view the first Death Stranding as a cult classic, that label simply does not apply, as the original game has amassed over 20 million players as the years have gone on. Despite what the majority of playtesters thought about the original Death Stranding, it’s clear that Kojima was right to be confident in his vision for the game, as at this point the IP’s success is undeniable. Really, there is nothing like Death Stranding, as it remains the first-and-only true Strand-type game thus far. Its distinct gameplay, coupled with Kojima’s layered and deliberately obtuse storytelling, made for a game that went from something the internet initially poked fun at to a title that has been appreciated by more and more fans with each passing day. Naturally, there will be pressure to create something just as special, but a game that a vast majority of people love would not be a fitting Death Stranding follow-up.
Not only is a worldwide Death Stranding concert tour taking place this year, but an A24 film adaptation is also deep in development.
If Hideo Kojima were to deliver a simple, clearcut narrative that lacks his trademark weirdness, the game could appeal to more casual gamers, but existing fans would undoubtedly feel like something is missing. Action-packed gameplay could make it even more accessible to people who did not like the original Death Stranding, and while some extra combat can be expected given the different themes DS2 is tackling, going too far away from the “delivery simulator” gameplay that made or broke the original for players would be a mistake. With the original Death Stranding’s audience expanding to reach 20 million players as the years have gone on, and appreciation for the title increasing exponentially, there is no reason for the sequel to go mainstream and sacrifice its identity. Instead, Kojima’s changes to DS2 have hopefully worked wonders. Another game that strives for uniqueness like the original Death Stranding would be a piece of art that garners more appreciation over time, as opposed to something safer that is loved at the moment, but ultimately forgotten.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Released
-
June 26, 2025
- ESRB
-
Mature 17+ // Violence, Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
- Publisher(s)
-
Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Engine
-
Decima
- Franchise
-
Death Stranding
- Number of Players
-
Single-player
- PS5 Release Date
-
June 26, 2025
