Summary

  • Hideo Kojima doesn't want Death Stranding 2 to appeal to the masses.
  • The review tests for Death Stranding 2 were overwhelmingly positive, but Kojima wants more controversy.
  • Only Kojima could feel this way.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach isn't even out yet, and Hideo Kojima already has an idea for a third game. Sure, he's a visionary, but even he can't predict how the second game will be received. The sequel to the walking simulation will be set in Australia, where you'll be able to build monorails and even skip boss fights if you want to.

Related

If Being Excited For Death Stranding 2 Is Wrong, I Don't Wanna Be Right

There's a strange stigma attached to Death Stranding 2 that I'm not so sure about.

Posts

With the launch just over a month away, Kojima is currently in marketing mode for the game. In a recent interview with Edge Magazine (via VGC), he revealed that Death Stranding 2 performed better than the previous title during test reviews. This would usually be a great sign for studios, especially those working on triple-A titles. However, Hideo Kojima is probably the only director who wouldn't be happy with this outcome.

Hideo Kojima Doesn't Want Death Stranding 2 To Appeal To The Masses

Close

“I do listen to criticism, if the controls need tweaking or if a camera pan is too slow or too fast. But I don’t alter themes or story based on feedback,” said Kojima. “Of course, I want people to play my game, so I must listen to them to a certain extent. But also, I’m not interested in making something that appeals to everyone.”

He revealed that during the tests for the original Death Stranding, there would be a good percentage of people who the game didn't appeal to. While most would love that, Kojima thought that it's a good balance. However, all the tests for the sequel were overwhelmingly positive, and he's not a fan of that.

Related

I Met The Devil And Got A Glimpse Of Death Stranding 2

Sometimes visiting central London is hell, but this takes it to a new level.

Posts

“Sony is pleased, of course, but I do wish I was a bit more controversial. Blockbuster films need an 80 percent approval rating – I don’t want to make games like that. I’m not interested in appealing to the mass market, or selling millions of copies," he explained. "That’s not what I’m aiming for.”

However, Kojima begrudgingly admitted that while it's not what he wants, he's glad that people like the game, as he does have a studio to run in the end. "I don’t want to simply recreate something that’s already in the world. I want to make something new.”

24 Images 24 Images Close Like Follow Followed

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Action Adventure Systems Released June 26, 2025 ESRB Mature 17+ // Violence, Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language Developer(s) Kojima Productions Publisher(s) Sony Interactive Entertainment Engine Decima Franchise Death Stranding Number of Players Single-player PS5 Release Date June 26, 2025
Where to play Close

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Powered by Expand Collapse