Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Will Have Themes of Fatherhood – Hideo Kojima

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With the June 26 launch date for “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” rapidly approaching, director Hideo Kojima has been disclosing a growing number of details about the game. In an interview with Edge magazine (through GamesRadar), Kojima discussed some of the themes in the upcoming title and how they align with those found in his past projects.

As a devoted fan, I’ve learned that Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind the Metal Gear series, drew inspiration for some of its themes from the loss of his own father. It’s fascinating to note how parenthood and the transmission of “ideas” and “genetic traits,” which are often focal points in Metal Gear games, reflect this personal connection. Interestingly, in Death Stranding, Kojima shifts the perspective, placing players directly into the role of the father, allowing us to experience these themes from a unique, first-hand point of view.

In the Metal Gear series, as Kojima shared, the loss of my father served as a significant motif. These games delve into the concept of transcending one’s parents. On the contrary, Death Stranding takes a different approach; it invites you to embrace the parental role, gazing forward towards the child.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always found it fascinating how the Metal Gear series subtly explores the concept of parenthood. Just like how memes and genes intertwine, this franchise has woven tales that echo the complexities of family ties. For instance, my lineage, as Solid Snake, is intricately connected to the narrative, adding depth to the overarching themes about family. Characters like Meryl, who grapple with their own father issues, further enrich this exploration of parenthood within Metal Gear.

In Death Stranding, the concept of parenthood is woven into the narrative. For instance, the character Målingen, or Mama, embodies motherhood as a key aspect of her persona, reflecting in her nickname. The main plot revolves around a father seeking vengeance for his child, while Sam Porter Bridges assumes a paternal role as the game progresses.

Kojima explained, “You may believe you understand everything about your son, but there are still mysteries left unsolved.” In the initial Death Stranding game, Sam journeyed alongside Lou without delving too deeply into who he was. However, in the upcoming sequel, this dynamic has shifted. It’s similar to how an adoptive parent might not fully comprehend their child’s background. They may have unanswered questions. That’s the feeling I aimed to evoke.

In the same interview, Kojima additionally drew a parallel between the evolutions of “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” and its precursor to the shift in tone between the original, suspenseful sci-fi horror film “Alien” and its action-focused sequel “Aliens”. According to Kojima, the initial “Alien” movie by Ridley Scott was exceptionally terrifying. He noted the presence of facehuggers and aliens emerging from people’s chests, which initially left viewers puzzled about the film’s storyline.

In making Aliens, James Cameron wisely chose to shift the focus from horror to action, providing a fresh perspective and an uncharted depth for the story. Similarly, I aim to do something similar with this sequel of Death Stranding. Since we’ve already established its world, I wanted to introduce conflicts to offer a new dimension to it.

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2025-05-20 14:41