Death Strandingcertainly boasts one of the more unique narratives in video games, and creator Hideo Kojima knew the project would be controversial.Death Strandingwas first released back in 2019 as an action-adventure title from Kojima Productions and Sony, and the story follows courier Sam Porter Bridges, who is tasked with delivering supplies to various colonies after a significant event caused dangerous creatures to begin polluting the Earth.
Players returned to see Norman Reedus’ second outing as Sam in the recently releasedDeath Stranding 2: On the Beach, which welcomed back other familiar actors in Léa Seydoux and Troy Baker, alongside newcomer Elle Fanning.Kojima recently celebratedDeath Stranding 2’s success, noting the game’s critical triumph and the community’s support despite the challenges facing the development process during the pandemic.
During an interview with SSENSE,Death Stranding’s divisive feedback from fans was given the spotlight, as some gamers hoped the first game would be the last Strand game, and others praised its creativity. “I always knew that it would be controversial. People would love it or people would not like it. It would be like zero points or 10 points,” Kojima revealed and touched on the gamble of taking creative risks, saying, “If there is no risk, there won’t be any good things that would be born.” While negative criticism is always hard to hear for creators, Kojima confirmed he listens to all feedback given, not just the positive accolades. The game still faces controversy six years after its release, such asDeath Stranding’s photo mode being used to bypass age verification, but even previous naysayers have been converted to the IP over time.
Hideo Kojima Knew Death Stranding’s First Game Would Be Controversial
Kojima was also asked why he made a sequel, and his response got straight to the point, saying, “It’s my IP. Death Stranding is actually my IP, Kojima Productions’ IP. I wanted to leave my IP in the future.” On the heels of the sequel’s accomplishments, fans were hopeful for aDeath Strandingcrossover withClair Obscur: Expedition 33, after the Sandfall Interactive dev team visited Kojima Productions’ headquarters. Both games offer breathtaking visuals and unique stories, and while the jury’s still out on a possibleDeath Stranding 3, Sandfall is already hard at work brainstorming aClair Obscursequel.
So, what’s next in line afterDeath Stranding 2?Gamers have already gotten a taste of Kojima’s next horror.ODis currently in development, alongsidePhysint, andDeath Stranding 2may have already teased the scaresODhas in store. Fans also have the live-actionDeath Strandingmovie to look forward to, which is currently in development under the well-regarded A24 production company.A Quiet Place: Day Onedirector Michael Sarnoski is set to helm the adaptation, and the team is currently eyeing a 2027 release window.
