Death Stranding 2’s positive reviews make Hideo Kojima worried. Read on to learn more about why Kojima is bothered by the game’s early praise and his plans for the studio’s future.
Death Stranding 2 Early Praises Have Hideo Kojima Concerned
Kojima Worries DS2 Might Just Be Another "Blockbuster"
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (DS2) has received positive praise across the board, which has raised some concern for director Hideo Kojima. In a video interview with Game Informer on June 12, he shared his thoughts about the early praise DS2 has had, and how that bothers him.
Kojima wanted to create something that lasts for years to come, and based on history, works of art that aren’t like at the start are the ones that end up being important long-term. He explained, "Anything that lasts 10 years, 20 years, it has to be new. And most of those are not received well at the start. That exists for 20 or 30 years, and then looked back [on], with people saying ‘This is great.’"
This was his vision and goal while creating the first Death Stranding, and he even looked back at Metal Gear as a game of the same ilk that took 10 years to be recognized as a good game. Comparatively, the initial reception for DS2 was too positive for his liking.
Kojima stated, "So for Death Stranding 2, when I tested it, it wasn’t like that. Everyone liked it. That’s why I said, ‘Maybe this is a problem’. It was more [liked] than my prediction because in Death Stranding, everyone had pros and cons." He is worried that DS2 might just become another "blockbuster entertainment" and everyone will forget it in the long run.
While DS2 warrants the praise it has been receiving for how it builds upon the success of the first game, he wants to build upon a few followers that would eventually become creators in the future, making this his ultimate dream.
Kojima Wants to Inspire Other Creators Rather Than Passing the "Baton"
In terms of continuing his legacy, Kojima does not want people to just copy his ways. In an interview with GQ Magazine on June 10, he said that he has no plans on "passing the baton" to anyone.
He elaborated, "I am not going to pass the baton to anyone. I will rather crush the baton… [Laughs.] I don’t need to give ‘Hideo Kojima’ to anyone. If I pass the baton to my staff and tell them to make things the same way I do, the company will not succeed and will go out of business." Kojima instead wants to spark a small fire and inspire other creators to make their art, not just try to be like him.
Nevertheless, he has prepared a contingency plan to ensure the continuation of his studio in the event of his passing. As reported by VGC on May 15, he revealed in the latest issue of Edge Magazine that he left a USB stick with his staff containing video game ideas he has that they can use in the event of his death.
Kojima reflected on his experience during the pandemic when he became severely ill, and reevaluated his priorities since he was also pushing 60 years of age. This led him to make plans to secure Kojima Productions’ future even when he is gone.
"I gave a USB stick with all my ideas on it to my personal assistant, kind of like a will. Perhaps they could continue to make things after I’m gone at Kojima Productions… This is a fear for me: what happens to Kojima Productions after I’m gone? I don’t want them to just manage our existing IP." he said.
Regardless, fans need not worry as Kojima still has a lot in the tank with the upcoming release of DS2, and other ongoing projects with PlayStation on Physint, and Xbox on OD.
New Death Stranding 2 Trailer Highlights Core Concepts: Explore, Connect, Survive
Following DS2’s gameplay reveal during its Game Premier event on June 8, the developers unveiled a brand new trailer for the critically acclaimed Death Stranding sequel. The 3-minute trailer showcases the game’s features, emphasizing its core concept to "Explore. Connect. Survive."
DS2 retains its predecessor’s deep and intricate storytelling, but aims to provide more action-packed sequences and options to approach enemy encounters. With the expanded variety of environmental challenges and ever-changing terrain, players need to adapt and respond quickly to accomplish their objectives.
Kojima is currently in the midst of the Death Stranding World Tour 2, where he will be travelling across 12 locations worldwide to commemorate the launch of the game. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is set to release on June 26, 2025, on PlayStation 5. To stay up to date with the latest information about the game, check out our Death Stranding 2: On The Beach article below!
Source:
"Maybe This is a Problem," Hideo Kojima on Early Death Stranding 2 Praise
The life and death of Hideo Kojima
Hideo Kojima says he’s left staff a ‘USB stick of game ideas’ for after he dies
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach - Explore. Connect. Survive. | PS5 Games
