Japanese game designer Hideo Kojima captivated fans in the main square of Lucca, Italy, during the finale of the Death Stranding World Tour 2. The event, part of Lucca Comics and Games, celebrated the highly anticipated release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the sequel to the acclaimed original game. Set 11 months after the first installment, players return to the role of Sam Bridges, voiced by Norman Reedus, as he navigates a post-apocalyptic Australia, reconnecting survivors to the Chiral network.
Kojima emphasized that the core theme of this sequel revolves around the concept of connection, particularly as it has evolved over time. “In the 2000s, the internet became a normal thing,” he noted. “We could now be connected in real time, anywhere, everywhere, and that connection was supposed to be a strength. But social media went in a different way.” He stressed that the game is not about “connection with headshots and shooting each other,” but rather about fostering meaningful interactions in a digital landscape that often lacks authenticity.
Creative Collaboration and Design Evolution
Joining Kojima in Lucca was Yoji Shinkawa, the game’s art director and character designer. Shinkawa shared insights on their long-standing collaboration. “Any conceptual art that I create begins with a word from Hideo Kojima,” he explained. “That gives me a direction, allowing me to develop illustrations and characters that resonate with the game’s vision.” He highlighted the unique nature of their partnership, which pushes both artists to evolve their ideas continuously through feedback.
Kojima reflected on the challenges of crafting a sequel that satisfies both new and returning players. “In ‘Metal Gear Solid,’ every sequel I created had a totally different design,” he said. “This time, I aimed for a more traditional sequel, keeping the best elements of ‘Death Stranding’ while making it more accessible.” He noted that many players had difficulty completing the first game due to its demanding traversal mechanics. “With ‘Death Stranding 2,’ I designed it to be more speedy and enjoyable, and I’m pleased to see that players are progressing further than in the original.”
Music and Character Development
The soundtrack for the game plays a significant role in its storytelling. While Kojima expressed his admiration for Joy Division, he acknowledged that their style did not fit the game’s narrative. Instead, he collaborated with Woodkid, a French composer, to create a musical experience that closely aligns with the game’s themes. “Our ideas and feelings matched well, and he visited the studio multiple times to develop the score,” Kojima remarked.
When asked about his favorite character from the sequel, Kojima mentioned Fragile, portrayed by Léa Seydoux. “While Sam is the main protagonist, Fragile is one of the hidden main characters in ‘Death Stranding 2,’” he explained. He also shared that he asked Woodkid to dedicate a song to Fragile, enhancing her presence in the game. “Every time she appears, you can hear her theme playing in the background, which adds to her character depth.”
The excitement surrounding Death Stranding 2 is palpable as fans eagerly await its release. Kojima’s insights into the game’s themes of connection, creative collaboration, and character development highlight his commitment to delivering a meaningful gaming experience. As players prepare to embark on this new journey with Sam and Fragile, they can anticipate a richly woven narrative that explores the nuances of human relationships in a digitally connected world.
