Kojima ponders creativity's limits amidst 'Death Stranding 2' crunch

Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind the Metal Gear series, recently revealed that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is currently in the demanding "crunch time" phase of development. This revelation, shared via a series of X/Twitter posts, also sparked a reflection on Kojima's own longevity in the creative industry.

Kojima described the crunch period as "the most demanding period of game development—both physically and mentally," citing the numerous tasks beyond game development itself, including voice recording, writing, interviews, and other commitments. While he didn't explicitly name Death Stranding 2, it's the most likely project experiencing this crunch, given its anticipated 2025 release and the typical timing of crunch towards the end of development. His other projects, OD and Physint, are seemingly in earlier stages.

The most demanding period of game development—both physically and mentally—commonly known as “crunch time.” On top of mixing and Japanese voice recording, there’s an inevitable pile of other tasks: writing comments, explanations, essays, interviews, discussions, and… https://t.co/FrXRgaS748

— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) January 10, 2025

Kojima's contemplation of his future creativity, however, seems less directly tied to the current crunch and more inspired by reading a Ridley Scott biography. At 61, he questions how much longer he can remain creatively active, though he expresses a desire to continue for years to come. He cites Ridley Scott's continued success at 87 as inspiration.

Fans can rest assured, though. Despite a career spanning nearly four decades, Kojima remains committed to his craft. Death Stranding 2, showcased in a September gameplay reveal, promises the same unique blend of bizarre elements, including a peculiar photo mode, dancing figures, and a character portrayed by George Miller, that fans have come to expect from Kojima's work. While story details remain shrouded in mystery, Kojima has confirmed some character absences. The first Death Stranding, while praised for its world-building, faced criticism for its gameplay mechanics, as noted in IGN's 6/10 review: "Death Stranding delivers a fascinating world of supernatural sci-fi, but its gameplay struggles to support its weight."