Hideo Kojima’s Challenges in Developing Death Stranding 2 During the Pandemic

For once, the unflappable Hideo Kojima was overwhelmed. Even with close to four decades of game-making experience, he found himself facing his biggest tribulation yet: developing Death Stranding 2: On the Beach during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I thought I can’t pull this off. [I can’t] meet people or scan people, or shoot with people. I almost gave up. And also the staff were all remote, and I became sick as well. I thought it was just the end of the world,” he shared through an interpreter during a group interview in Sydney. “I’ve been creating games throughout my career, but Death Stranding 2 was the most difficult challenge.”

Kojima’s initial scouting of Australia, where Death Stranding 2 is predominantly set, had to be conducted remotely via Zoom. He painstakingly directed a local contact to document the landscape on his behalf. “Looking at it from a camera and to be there is totally different, so that’s disappointing,” he noted, reflecting on the limitations imposed by the pandemic.

These experiences led Kojima to adopt a different approach for the sequel. His own sense of isolation, which arose from having to develop Death Stranding 2 with a remote team, prompted him to reconsider the game’s narrative. This isolation not only influenced the story but also shaped the emotional depth of the characters and their journeys.

As Kojima navigated the challenges of remote collaboration, he found innovative ways to maintain creativity and connection with his team. The pandemic forced him to rethink traditional game development processes, leading to a more introspective and personal storytelling approach.

Despite the hurdles, Kojima’s commitment to delivering a compelling sequel remained unwavering. He emphasized the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of unprecedented challenges. “We had to find new ways to communicate and collaborate, which ultimately enriched the development process,” he explained.

The impact of the pandemic on the gaming industry has been profound, with many developers facing similar obstacles. Kojima’s experience serves as a testament to the creativity and determination that can emerge from adversity.

As the release of Death Stranding 2 approaches, fans eagerly anticipate how these experiences will manifest in the final product. Kojima’s unique vision, combined with the lessons learned during this challenging period, promises to deliver a game that resonates on multiple levels.

For more insights into Kojima’s creative process and the development of Death Stranding 2, visit Read the full story at The Verge..