Metal Gear Creator Hideo Kojima Questions How Long He Can Stay Creative as Death Stranding 2 Dev Endures Crunch

Legendary game creator Hideo Kojima recently shared his reflections on creativity and the demanding nature of game development, revealing that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is currently in "crunch time." In a series of X/Twitter posts, Kojima expressed his fatigue, describing crunch as the most demanding period of game development, both physically and mentally. He detailed the extensive workload beyond game development itself, including writing, interviews, and other non-game-related tasks.

While Kojima didn't explicitly name Death Stranding 2, its 2025 release date strongly suggests it's the project experiencing crunch. This is a particularly noteworthy announcement, as many studios have pledged to avoid crunch following past controversies.

Kojima's contemplation of his creative longevity wasn't solely triggered by the current crunch. Instead, reading a Ridley Scott biography seems to have prompted reflection on his own career. At 61, Kojima questions how much longer he can remain creatively active, citing Ridley Scott's continued success at 87 as inspiration. However, he remains committed to continuing his work for years to come.

A September gameplay showcase offered a glimpse into the bizarre world of Death Stranding 2, featuring unusual elements like a unique photo mode, dancing puppet figures, and a character portrayed by George Miller. January also saw an introduction to the game's story, though much remains shrouded in mystery. Kojima has, however, confirmed which characters won't be returning. The first Death Stranding received a 6/10 review from IGN, praising its fascinating world but criticizing its gameplay.