Hideo Kojima announced that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which is exclusive to PlayStation 5, was nearly not completed but is now his most anticipated sequel.
At a world tour press conference, the Japanese developer openly stated that the challenges faced during development were so severe that he seriously contemplated abandoning the project, a decision that would have significantly impacted the future of Kojima Productions.
The development of Death Stranding 2 occurred during one of the most challenging periods in recent history, marked by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Hideo Kojima, this affected the project from the outset, preventing in-person meetings with its actors, disrupting filming schedules, and necessitating that the entire team work remotely. Even previously arranged casting calls were hindered by the inability to meet face-to-face.
One of the major challenges was the inability to film on their set in Tokyo, Japan, which necessitated moving most of the work to Sony studios in Los Angeles (USA). “I thought it was the end of the world,” he admitted to Dexerto.
Despite his extensive experience in the industry, Hideo Kojima views Death Stranding 2 as the most challenging project of his career, not only because of its creative aspirations but also due to the external conditions that accompanied it.
Despite facing significant challenges, an opportunity for learning and growth also presented itself. Kojima noted that overcoming these difficulties enhanced both himself and his team: “It made us a bit stronger. We can now face something similar in the future with the strength we have now.” For him, developing the game evolved beyond being just work and became a deeply personal mission.
He nearly gave up but persevered, feeling like he had reconnected with everything within him, he concludes.
As Hideo Kojima’s team overcame unprecedented challenges to bring Death Stranding 2: On the Beach to PlayStation 5, fans are eagerly looking forward to diving into the sequel’s rich narrative. Marcus Thompson’s latest piece, “Death Stranding 2 Game Offers 6-Minute Narrative Recap to Prepare Players,” published on June 17, 2025, provides a captivating glimpse into what awaits players just ten days from now. With America’s landscape more perilous than ever and the enigmatic Lou at the heart of the story, this six-minute preview is essential for anyone preparing to experience Sam Porter Bridges’ journey anew. Check out the full recap here Death Stranding 2 Game Offers 6-Minute Narrative Recap to Prepare Players and get ready for the game’s release on June 26th! For those intrigued by Hideo Kojima’s relentless pursuit of artistic vision, don’t miss Jonathan Dubinski’s latest piece titled “Death Stranding 2: Hideo Kojima Intentionally Sabotaged His Game for More Divisiveness,” published on June 17, 2025. The article delves into an unexpected revelation where Woodkid shares how Kojima deliberately adjusted the game to introduce more tension and ambiguity, aiming to evoke a deeper emotional response from players. This controversial approach highlights Kojima’s unyielding commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging conventional player expectations. Dive into this fascinating exploration of creativity versus criticism at Death Stranding 2: Hideo Kojima Intentionally Sabotaged His Game for More Divisiveness and explore the depths of Kojima’s narrative genius. At the recent Cannes Film Festival, Hideo Kojima delivered a thought-provoking speech that delved into the evolving landscape of video game storytelling. In his talk, Kojima, known for groundbreaking titles like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, discussed how video games differ from traditional cinema due to player agency and the unique challenges it presents for narrative creation. He also showcased glimpses of his upcoming project, Death Stranding 2, set for release exclusively on PlayStation 5 this month. For more insights into Kojima’s vision for interactive storytelling and AI’s role in the future of gaming, be sure to check out Jonathan Dubinski’s article from June 1st, Hideo Kojima at Cannes 2025: ‘Video Games are Still a Toddler in Storytelling, AI Should Be an Assist, Not a Fear’.
