Hideo Kojima Speaks: The Extended Cut
On Death Stranding 2, Konami and Metal Gear woes, and the Final Stage of Plan
Walking up the mountain ridges of the new Death Stranding 2, I realized video game auteur Hideo Kojima has done it again.
Recently, I flew to Los Angeles for Summer Game Fest, and sat down with Hideo Kojima to talk all things Death Stranding 2 and his interest in fashion. You may have seen the Inverse articles, but here are some things he told me that didn’t make it onto the site.
Inside Hideo Kojima’s Inner World
Playing Death Stranding 2, I was immediately struck by how the character you control must immediately travel across some tough terrain. As Kojima put it, he presented the player with plenty of challenges.
"Yes, I think you'll be surprised at the first stage when you start playing Death Stranding 2. I present a lot of hardships at the start,” Kojima tells me. “Most games are easy recently — they don’t give you challenges. But people will understand why they’re facing these hardships. You don't have to do it — you can just watch the main character carry the dead body, or you can do it yourself. I want people to overcome the challenges presented."
Death Stranding 2 follows the events after the original game (of course), but this time you have to help connect folks across Mexico, and later, Australia. By your side is the trusty sidekick, Dollman, who I find rather creepy yet endearing.
Just like the first game, things are weird and hard to follow, but there’s a delightful sense of human connection and wonder at exploring the different maps.
"Games are a combination of art. I grew up watching movies, and I learned fashion and music from movies,” Kojima says, “Music is important — musicians create music for games. I wanted more collaborations with fashion brands."
