Death Stranding 2 – Pandemic Inspired Kojima to Make Games “That Don’t Already Exist in the World”

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Hideo Kojima, the creator behind Death Stranding, has shared his thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic and worldwide lockdowns. In an interview with Edge magazine (as reported by GamesRadar), Kojima discussed how the real world is now mirroring the social isolation portrayed in the game Death Stranding, which was released only a few months prior.

Kojima expressed that it seemed as though he might never encounter anyone again, given his return to Kojima Productions offices following his illness recovery, now deserted due to the ongoing lockdowns. He added, ‘A sense of connection had vanished.’ Delving deeper into his pandemic experience, Kojima stated, ‘Our social gatherings and school events transitioned online, essentially transforming our lives into a mostly virtual existence.’

As a gamer, I’ve found myself rejuvenated during these isolating times, particularly when it comes to interacting with others online through our virtual screens. It’s sparked a newfound passion within me – I yearn to create games that haven’t graced the digital world yet.

The thoughts shared here offer additional insights into what Kojima mentioned about Death Stranding 2 in 2022. During an interview that year, Kojima discussed how the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic had led him to revise the storyline for the sequel. In this conversation, he drew a parallel between the pandemic breaking out shortly after the launch of Death Stranding and the release of Metal Gear Solid 2 occurring in the wake of 9/11.

As per a recent report, Kojima previously discussed some themes of the upcoming “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.” He mentioned that while the “Metal Gear” series predominantly focused on heavy themes related to fatherhood, the themes in “Death Stranding 2” will tackle similar subjects, but from a fresh perspective.

In Kojima’s own words, “The loss of my father was a significant motif in the Metal Gear series.” He further elaborated that these games delve into the theme of overcoming one’s parents. On the contrary, Death Stranding focuses on adopting a parental perspective, looking towards the offspring.

In Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Kojima discussed the distinctive storytelling hurdles players will encounter while assuming a paternal role towards Lou. He noted that, despite having spent ample time with Lou in the initial game, players don’t have a comprehensive understanding of the character. The sequel, as per Kojima, aims to delve into the identity of Lou.

As a fan, I’ve always thought I knew every little detail about my fictional son, Sam, in Death Stranding, but Kojima revealed that there are still hidden layers yet to be discovered. In the original game, Sam journeys alongside Lou, yet we don’t delve too deeply into who Lou is. However, this has been rectified in the sequel. It mirrors the feelings of an adoptive parent who may not fully understand their child’s past, harboring questions and curiosity. This was the emotional response I aimed to evoke.

Death Stranding 2: At the Shoreline

The sequel to Death Stranding, titled Death Stranding 2: At the Shoreline, is set to debut on June 26. As of now, it will be available exclusively for the PlayStation 5. Recently, Kojima Productions announced that the game has reached its final production stage (gone gold). In addition, Hideo Kojima hinted this week that there will be at least one more trailer for the game before release, and he promised that it would contain a significant amount of fresh information.

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2025-05-22 15:41