Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind the Metal Gear series, has recently shared insights into his ongoing struggles with creativity and the intense development phase known as "crunch time." In a series of posts on X/Twitter, the 61-year-old creator revealed his fatigue amid the demanding final stages of game development, specifically hinting at the upcoming release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, set for 2025.

Kojima described "crunch time" as the most challenging period in game development, both physically and mentally. This phase involves not only the technical aspects like mixing and voice recording but also a multitude of other tasks such as writing comments, explanations, essays, conducting interviews, and handling non-game-related duties. "It’s incredibly tough," he admitted, emphasizing the exhaustive nature of these responsibilities.

While Kojima did not directly mention Death Stranding 2, the timing and context suggest it's the project currently in crunch, especially given its impending release date. Other projects at Kojima Productions, such as OD and Physint, are believed to be in earlier stages of development without set release windows.

Despite the rigors of crunch time, it's not this particular phase that has Kojima contemplating retirement. Instead, his reflections on creativity and longevity were sparked by his recent purchase of a Ridley Scott biography. "At this age, I can't help but think about how much longer I'll be able to stay 'creative,'" Kojima mused, expressing a desire to continue his work indefinitely. He drew inspiration from Ridley Scott, who remains active at 87 and created the masterpiece Gladiator past the age of 60.

Fans of Kojima's unique storytelling and game design can rest assured that retirement is not on his immediate horizon. His passion for creating remains strong, even after nearly four decades in the industry.

An extended gameplay preview of Death Stranding 2, showcased in September, highlighted the game's quirky elements, including a bizarre photo mode, dancing puppet men, and a character portrayed by George Miller, the director of Mad Max. Earlier in January, an introduction to the game's story was shared, though much remains mysterious due to its complex themes. Kojima has confirmed the absence of certain characters from the sequel. In our review of the original Death Stranding, IGN gave it a 6/10, noting that while it offers a fascinating world of supernatural sci-fi, its gameplay struggles to support its ambitious narrative.