Kojima Questions Creative Longevity Amidst Death Stranding 2 Crunch

Legendary game creator Hideo Kojima recently shared his reflections on the demanding nature of game development, revealing that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is currently in "crunch time." In a series of X/Twitter posts, Kojima described the period as "the most demanding period of game development—both physically and mentally." He detailed the extensive workload beyond game development itself, including voice recording, writing, interviews, and various other tasks. While he didn't explicitly name Death Stranding 2, its 2025 release date makes it the most likely project currently in this intensive phase. Kojima Productions' other projects, OD and Physint, appear to be in earlier stages of development.

Kojima's comments about "crunch time" weren't solely responsible for his contemplation of his creative longevity. The 61-year-old also cited the purchase of a Ridley Scott biography as prompting reflection on his own career. He questioned how much longer he could maintain his creative drive, noting that even at 87, Ridley Scott remains active. Despite the challenges, Kojima expressed his desire to continue creating for years to come.

Death Stranding 2 gameplay footage released in September showcased its signature bizarre style, featuring unique elements like a peculiar photo mode, dancing puppet figures, and a character portrayed by George Miller. While a story introduction was revealed earlier, many plot details remain shrouded in mystery. Kojima has, however, confirmed which characters will not be returning. The first Death Stranding game, while praised for its unique world-building, received mixed reviews regarding its gameplay.