Renowned game creator Hideo Kojima recently shared his reflections on creativity and the demanding nature of game development, revealing that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is currently in "crunch time." In a series of X/Twitter posts, Kojima expressed fatigue, describing the crunch period as the most physically and mentally demanding phase of development. He highlighted the numerous tasks beyond game development itself, including writing, interviews, and other non-game-related work.
While Kojima didn't explicitly name Death Stranding 2, it's the most likely project in crunch, given its anticipated 2025 release and the typical timing of crunch near the end of development. His other projects, OD and Physint, appear to be in earlier stages.
Kojima's contemplation of his creative longevity wasn't solely triggered by the current crunch. His purchase of a Ridley Scott biography seems to have sparked reflection on his own career. At 61, he questions how much longer he can remain creative, aiming to continue his work but acknowledging the time constraint. He cites Ridley Scott's continued success at 87 as inspiration.
Fans can rest assured; Kojima remains committed to his creative pursuits despite almost four decades in the industry. September brought an extended gameplay look at Death Stranding 2, showcasing its signature bizarre style, including a unique photo mode, unusual characters, and the directorial involvement of George Miller. A story introduction was shared in January, leaving much of the plot still mysterious, though Kojima has confirmed some character absences.
