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" 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 pressure of "crunch time"—a period notorious for extended work hours and days off sacrificed. While many studios have pledged to avoid crunch following recent controversies, Kojima's open acknowledgement of its impact on his team is unusual.
"The most demanding period of game development—both physically and mentally—commonly known as ‘crunch time’," Kojima stated. He detailed the added pressures beyond core game development, including managing comments, explanations, essays, interviews, and various non-game-related tasks.
Although Kojima didn't explicitly name Death Stranding 2, it's the most likely project experiencing crunch, given its anticipated 2025 release and the typical timing of this intense development period. His studio's other projects, OD and Physint, seem to be in much 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
However, Kojima's contemplation of retirement doesn't seem directly linked to the current crunch. Instead, it appears spurred by reading a Ridley Scott biography, prompting reflection on his own career trajectory. The 61-year-old Kojima questioned how long he can maintain his creative drive, expressing a desire to continue but acknowledging the uncertainty of his future creative lifespan. He cited Ridley Scott's continued success at 87 as inspiration.
Despite these reflections, fans needn't fear an immediate retirement. Kojima remains committed to his craft, even after nearly four decades in the industry.
September brought an extended gameplay reveal of Death Stranding 2, showcasing its characteristically bizarre elements: a unique photo mode, dancing figures, and a character portrayed by George Miller, the director of Mad Max. A January introduction to the story further piqued interest, although many narrative details remain shrouded in mystery. Kojima has, however, confirmed some character absences. IGN's review of the first Death Stranding game (6/10) praised its unique world but criticized its gameplay.
