Hideo Kojima "Happy" to Complete Death Stranding 2

Video games have long evolved beyond just action-packed, adrenaline-fueled experiences. Hideo Kojima, the creative force behind Metal Gear Solid, explored themes of division and connection in Death Stranding, releasing in a pre-pandemic world. Its deeply conceptual narrative and unique delivery-focused mechanics opened up exciting new avenues for the medium.

Now, with its sequel Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Kojima revisits this theme in an even more complex way, asking: "Should we have connected in the first place?" As the June 26, 2025 release date draws near, we were curious about Kojima's current perspective on storytelling, especially as real-world divisions seem to widen.

Development on Death Stranding 2 took place during the unprecedented conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic. How did Kojima reassess the concept of "connection" and rebuild it, while also grappling with his views on technology, remote collaboration, and the fundamental nature of human relationships?

In this interview, Kojima discusses the philosophy guiding the game's creation, what elements were abandoned from the first game versus what was carried forward, and how his work reflects and engages with modern society.