Hideo Kojima has already conceived a vision for Death Stranding 3, though he confirms he won't lead its development. Discover how Death Stranding 2 could spawn numerous follow-ups and what lies ahead for Kojima’s creative journey.
Kojima May Not Lead Death Stranding 3
Death Stranding 2 Paves the Way for Endless Sequels
In a recent revelation, Death Stranding 2 director Hideo Kojima shared that he already has a concept for Death Stranding 3, but he won’t be the one to bring it to life. Speaking to VGC on May 8, Kojima explained how a key element from DS2 could generate countless sequels.
He pointed to the "Plate Gates," a new feature in DS2 that enables the series to explore diverse countries and potentially spawn unlimited follow-ups. Kojima remarked, "Using the Plate Gate concept, I could create endless sequels."
Despite this, Kojima quickly dismissed the notion of personally directing a third installment. He added, "I have no intention of doing that myself, but I’ve already drafted a concept for another sequel. If I pass the idea along, another developer could certainly take it forward." While fans might not see another Kojima-led sequel in the near future, other creators could continue the series with his endorsement.
How the Pandemic Reshaped Death Stranding 2’s Core Message
Kojima also reflected on how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced DS2’s narrative. The original game launched in November 2019, just before global lockdowns began.
He noted, "The world was drifting toward isolation and fragmentation—evident in events like Brexit. So I championed the idea of connection, warning that disaster loomed without it. That became Death Stranding’s central theme, story, and gameplay."
When the pandemic struck, Kojima observed that real life echoed the game’s themes, particularly through the Chiral Network, which he compared to the internet. "We endured the pandemic thanks to the internet—online connections kept us going," he elaborated.
However, Kojima highlighted that the same digital networks now fuel division. He described how people are gravitating toward the metaverse, fixated on screens and reducing genuine human contact.
Kojima stressed, "Human communication isn’t meant to work this way. Chance encounters and unexpected discoveries shape us. We risk losing all that if we continue down this path."
Although his initial plan for DS2 was set, the pandemic experience inspired him to rewrite the game. Kojima began questioning whether excessive connectivity is truly beneficial, and his lockdown reflections are embodied in one of the game’s characters.
He indicated that the strand motifs in the game logos hint at their respective themes—the first game advocating "Let’s Connect," while the sequel questions "We Should Not Have Connected." Kojima concluded, "When you deeply examine the meaning of connection, doubts arise… That’s all I’ll share for now."
Upcoming Ventures on the Horizon
Even if he steps back from the series, Kojima continues to explore new creative frontiers. In December 2023, alongside comedian and filmmaker Jordan Peele, he unveiled OD (previously Overdose) at The Game Awards 2023.
This project is being developed with Microsoft Game Studios. "The concept we’re building with Microsoft is something I’ve pondered for five or six years. It demands unprecedented infrastructure, and when I pitched it to various major companies, many thought I was insane," he recalled.
Additionally, Kojima is collaborating with PlayStation on a "next-generation action espionage game." Announced during PlayStation’s State of Play in January 2024, this title will be an entirely new intellectual property.
The Metal Gear creator views this project as a return to his roots, stating, "I’ll mark my 40th year in game development with this release. I believe it will represent the pinnacle of my career." Development will commence once DS2 is finalized.
While these projects are still distant, fans can look forward to DS2’s upcoming launch. Kojima recently addressed the game’s release window, considering adjustments following GTA 6’s delayed arrival.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is scheduled for release on June 26, 2025, exclusively for PlayStation 5. For the latest updates, explore our dedicated Death Stranding 2: On The Beach coverage below!
