Video games have evolved far beyond mere action-packed thrill rides. Hideo Kojima, the creative force behind the Metal Gear Solid series, introduced a profound exploration of division and connection with Death Stranding, a game that resonated deeply in a pre-pandemic world. Its innovative narrative structure and unique delivery-based movement mechanics opened up new avenues in gaming. Now, with the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, set to release on June 26, 2025, Kojima delves even deeper into these themes, asking the poignant question: "Should we have connected?" As societal divides continue to widen, we're eager to understand the stance Kojima has taken in crafting this sequel's narrative.

The development of Death Stranding 2 took place during the unprecedented times of the Covid-19 pandemic, which undoubtedly influenced Kojima's perspective on "connection." Faced with new challenges in technology, production environments, and the dynamics of human relationships, Kojima had to re-evaluate and reconstruct the concept of connection. How did these circumstances shape his vision for the game?

In an insightful interview, Kojima shares his philosophical approach to the game's production. He discusses elements from the original game that he chose to leave behind and those he carried forward into the sequel. Additionally, he reflects on contemporary society and its intricate relationship with his games, providing a window into the mind of a visionary game designer.