Hideo Kojima has never made games to please the crowd, and it shows again with Death Stranding 2. Even though Death Stranding 2 reviewers have started praising the game during internal screenings, but in a confounding turn of events, Kojima himself has admitted that he’s not entirely happy with how things are going. Not because the feedback is bad in fact, it’s quite the opposite. The feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and that’s exactly what concerns him.
In a recent interview with Edge magazine, Kojima said the reaction from Sony and the early Death Stranding 2 reviewers has been very warm. But unlike the first game, evoked reactions ranging from “walking simulator” to “the greatest thing since the invention of cheese. “. This time around, though, it’s nothing but praise, “Sony is pleased, of course,” Kojima said, “but I do wish I was a bit more controversial.”
He went on to explain that he’s not interested in creating games just to appeal to everyone. For Kojima, a piece of art that has split opinion often means it has more impact. The original Death Stranding was controversial and led to long discussions about what a video game can be. Kojima fears Death Stranding 2 may be leaning too far into safer territory. But is that really such a bad thing?
Still, he clarified that while he appreciates the appreciation from Death Stranding 2 reviewers, he doesn’t use it to shape the themes or story. Technical notes are one thing, but the core of the game is its meaning, structure, and risk is off-limits. “I listen to input,” Kojima said, “but I don’t compromise the vision.”
This situation raises questions about how much of the original game’s “weirdness” will carry over into the sequel. So far, Death Stranding 2 reviewers have noted more action-heavy gameplay, possibly making it more accessible to a broader audience. Whether there will be positive or negative reactions when the game finally launches is yet to be seen.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is expected to launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025.
