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

Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind the Metal Gear series, recently expressed concerns about his creative longevity while simultaneously revealing that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is currently in the demanding "crunch time" phase of development.

Kojima's reflections, shared via a series of X/Twitter posts, began with an admission of fatigue, followed by a candid description of the intense pressures of "crunch," a period characterized by extended work hours and often, work on days off. While many game studios have pledged to avoid crunch following past controversies, Kojima's public acknowledgment of its impact on his studio is noteworthy. He described the process as "incredibly tough," citing the multitude of tasks beyond game development, including voice recording, writing, interviews, and other non-game related work.

Although Kojima didn't explicitly name Death Stranding 2 as the project experiencing crunch, it's the most likely candidate given its anticipated 2025 release date and the typical timing of crunch towards the end of development. His studio's other projects, OD and Physint, are seemingly in earlier stages of production.

The most demanding period of game development—both physically and mentally—commonly known as “crunch time.” On top of mixing and Japanese voice recording, there’s an inevitable pile of other tasks: writing comments, explanations, essays, interviews, discussions, and… https://t.co/FrXRgaS748

— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) January 10, 2025

Kojima's contemplation of retirement doesn't appear directly linked to the current crunch period. Instead, it seems spurred by reading a Ridley Scott biography, prompting reflection on his own career at age 61. He expressed uncertainty about how much longer he can maintain his creative drive, questioning whether he has 10 or 20 more years. However, he also cited Ridley Scott's continued success at 87 as inspiration.

Despite these reflections, fans can rest assured that Kojima remains committed to his craft, despite nearly four decades in the industry.

A September gameplay showcase offered a glimpse into Death Stranding 2's characteristically bizarre world, featuring unique elements like a peculiar photo mode, dancing figures, and a character portrayed by George Miller, director of Mad Max. While a story introduction was released in January, much remains shrouded in mystery, though Kojima has confirmed some character absences. The first Death Stranding game received a 6/10 review from IGN, praising its unique world but criticizing gameplay limitations.