It's been a while since video games were viewed solely as action-packed, adrenaline-fueled experiences. Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind the *Metal Gear Solid* series, redefined storytelling in gaming with *Death Stranding*, a title that explored profound themes of division and connection in a world that seemed to be growing more fragmented even before the global pandemic.

With its groundbreaking narrative structure and unique movement-based gameplay mechanics centered around delivery and traversal, *Death Stranding* opened new creative doors in interactive entertainment. Now, with the sequel—*Death Stranding 2: On the Beach*—set for release on June 26, 2025, Kojima returns with an even deeper exploration of those core ideas, asking a hauntingly relevant question: “Should we have connected?”

Re-examining Connection in a Post-Pandemic World

The development of *Death Stranding 2* took place under extraordinary circumstances—the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic reshaped how people interact, work, and understand one another. These changes inevitably influenced Kojima’s creative process, prompting him to rethink the very essence of “connection” within the game’s universe.

How did he reconstruct the concept of human interaction while navigating shifts in technology, production workflows, and our evolving understanding of relationships? As divisions across society continue to widen, Kojima’s philosophical approach to game design becomes more relevant than ever.

A Deep Dive into Kojima’s Creative Philosophy

In this exclusive interview, Kojima opens up about the guiding principles behind *Death Stranding 2*. He reflects on what elements from the original game were left unresolved and how they’ve evolved in the sequel. More importantly, he discusses how contemporary social dynamics have shaped his artistic vision, and how his games serve as mirrors to the complexities of modern life.