Hideo Kojima, the legendary creator behind the Metal Gear and Death Stranding series, is making waves in the gaming world once again. In development Death Stranding 2: On the BeachKojima consciously decided to change the direction of this game. The reason? The game was considered too easy to accept and did not spark enough debate or controversy among players during the initial playtest.
The decision was revealed through an interview with Woodkid, the co-composer of Death Stranding 2, with Rolling Stone. Woodkid shared that Kojima felt the game was too "safe" and was well received by the testers. For Kojima, games that are too easy to like are less memorable and don't leave a deep emotional impact. He believes that truly beloved works usually start from something that sparks debate, even hatred, before being appreciated.
What Changes Are Being Made?
Kojima made some significant changes, including revisions to the script and the way some important events in the game occurred. The aim was to create a more emotional experience and provoke strong reactions from players. By making a more "polarizing" game, Kojima wanted to ensure that Death Stranding 2 not only became a popular game, but also a work that is talked about and remembered in the long run.
Kojima is known as a risk-taking creator. He's not afraid if his work is not liked by everyone. According to him, something that is truly loved usually starts from a negative reaction or controversy. He also expressed this philosophy in an interview with Edge Magazine, where he stated that he was not interested in making games that only followed the tastes of the mass market.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Kojima's decision is an important example for the gaming industry. Amidst the trend of games trying to reach the widest possible market, Kojima chose a different path. He wants to create works that are authentic, bold, and leave a lasting impression, even if he has to face the risk of being disliked by some people. This approach can inspire other creators to experiment more and not be afraid to take risks to create unique works.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025. Fans and critics around the world will be waiting to see if Kojima's changes really make this game more controversial and memorable than its predecessors.
Hideo Kojima's courage in changing Death Stranding 2 to create a more emotional and controversial experience shows his dedication to art and innovation. He proves that games are not just about popularity, but also about creating works that leave a lasting impression on players.
Source: WCCFTech
