Legendary game creator Hideo Kojima recently shared his reflections on the demanding nature of game development, specifically the intense "crunch time" period, while hinting at Death Stranding 2's current production status. In a series of X/Twitter posts, Kojima described the pressures of this phase, encompassing not only the core game development but also the extensive supplementary tasks: writing, commentary, interviews, and other non-game-related work. While he didn't explicitly name Death Stranding 2, it's strongly implied as the project currently experiencing crunch, given its 2025 release window and the typical timing of this intense development phase. Kojima Productions' other projects, OD and Physint, appear to be in earlier stages of development.
Kojima's recent contemplation on his creative longevity, however, seems less directly tied to the current crunch than to broader reflections spurred by reading a Ridley Scott biography. At 61, he questions how much longer he can maintain his creative drive, citing Scott's continued success at 87 as inspiration. Despite the challenges, Kojima remains committed to continuing his work, reassuring fans that retirement isn't imminent.
Death Stranding 2's gameplay, unveiled in September, showcased its characteristically bizarre style, featuring a unique photo mode, unusual characters, and the directorial involvement of George Miller. While an introduction to the narrative was shared earlier, the game's complex themes leave much to be discovered. Kojima has confirmed the absence of certain characters from the original. The first Death Stranding, despite its intriguing world, received a 6/10 review from IGN, highlighting a disconnect between its compelling setting and the gameplay mechanics.
