Death Stranding is one of the most divisive games in history, but not necessarily because of controversy. The so-called walking simulator that explores deep if weird and convoluted themes that isn’t for everybody. Now, the game’s enigmatic director, Hideo Kojima, has everyone scratching their heads again by sharing what inspired him to do it.
Kojima recently appeared on the Game-Genome show on NHK World Japan to talk about Death Stranding where the host, Gen Hoshino, broke down some of the game’s hidden themes.
The host said that Death Stranding is a tribute to the high points of video game history. According to Hoshino, the rope and ladder were taken from Donkey Kong, Nintendo’s popular platform game series while the driving element of Death Stranding was a tribute to racing games. Additionally, the stealth and shooter elements in the fight with Cliff were inspired by Metal Gear Solid, a game developed by Kojima. Finally, the fight with Higgs was reminiscent of fighting games such as Street Fighter.
Here's an interesting fact about Death Stranding! @Kojima_Hideo pic.twitter.com/gIpWz0UTQD
— NV (@naven0m) June 26, 2023
“All old games were in 2D,” Kojima said. “Before sandboxes or 3D visuals. Why not enjoy that again in an open-world setting?”
“You discovered the hidden theme of Death Stranding!” Kojima remarks.
So apparently, Kojima set out to make a very abstract tribute to popular video games in Death Stranding. As strange as it sounds, it is highly possible that the game director did try to pay tribute to video games of the past. Or he was just being nice to the host and played along with the wild theory.
Kojima is currently working on Death Stranding 2 which is reportedly a PlayStation exclusive at launch. The four-minute-long trailer was first revealed at The Game Awards 2022.
The upcoming sequel features some high-profile actors. Elle Fanning, Shioli Kutsuna, and Léa Seydoux will be part of Death Stranding 2 alongside the returning Troy Baker from the original. Norman Reedus, the actor who portrayed protagonist Sam Porter Bridges, will also be returning for the sequel.
Kojima Productions is also working on a macOS port for the Director’s Cut of Death Stranding. The Mac version of the game was announced at WWDC23 earlier this month.
Kojima is also partnering with Hammerstone Studios for a live-action adaptation of Death Stranding. Kojima Productions and Allan Ungar will serve as executive producers of the movie. Kojima will be “deeply involved” in the production of Death Stranding but will not be in charge of directing the movie.
No release date was given for Death Stranding 2 or the upcoming live-action adaptation of Death Stranding.
