Hideo Kojima recently made an appearance at Lucca Comics 2025, engaging in a captivating panel alongside Death Stranding 2: On the Beach actors Luca Marinelli and Alissa Jung. The discussion offered fans a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of developing the game, particularly the complexities of remote shooting during the pandemic. Kojima, renowned for his philosophical approach to game development, unveiled his aspiration to create games that inspire and energize players, much like the movies and books that influenced him during his youth.
Hideo Kojima’s Vision for Games
The influential creator revealed his desire to construct immersive experiences that resonate with players on a personal level. Kojima shared, “When you’re a child, you feel so dark about the world sometimes… movies really cheered me up. I want to return that.” He emphasized the potential of video games as a medium to deliver more than just entertainment, aiming to provide players with a source of motivation and happiness. Through the relationships and narratives crafted in games like Death Stranding 2, Kojima hopes to offer experiences that players can draw from in their own lives, ultimately reaching a level of emotional impact akin to his inspirations.
The Future of Death Stranding 2
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach was officially released on June 26 for PlayStation 5, earning widespread acclaim. With the franchise rights firmly back in the hands of Kojima Productions, excitement builds for the anticipated PC and Xbox Series S and X releases expected in 2026. This expansion follows the successful pattern established by the previous installment, promising to extend the game’s reach to a broader audience.