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 "crunch time."

Kojima's reflections, shared via a series of X/Twitter posts, began with an admission of fatigue, followed by a description of the intense pressure of "crunch," a period of extended work hours often associated with game development. While many studios have pledged to avoid crunch, Kojima's public acknowledgment of its impact on his team is noteworthy. He described the process as "the most demanding period of game development—both physically and mentally," citing numerous tasks beyond game development, including writing, interviews, and other commitments.

Although Kojima didn't explicitly name Death Stranding 2 as the project undergoing crunch, it's the most likely candidate, given its anticipated 2025 release and the typical timing of crunch periods towards the end of development. His other projects, OD and Physint, appear to be 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, however, seems less directly linked to the current crunch and more to a broader reflection on his career, possibly spurred by reading a Ridley Scott biography. The 61-year-old Kojima questioned how much longer he can maintain his creative drive, stating, "At this age, I can't help but think about how much longer I'll be able to stay 'creative.'" Despite this, he expressed his desire to continue his work, citing Ridley Scott's continued success as an inspiration.

Fans can rest assured; Kojima remains committed to his craft, despite a nearly four-decade career in the gaming industry.

Death Stranding 2's gameplay, showcased in September, maintains the series' characteristically bizarre style, featuring elements like a unique photo mode, dancing figures, and a character portrayed by George Miller. While a story introduction was released in January, many details remain shrouded in mystery, though Kojima has confirmed some character absences. The first Death Stranding game received a 6/10 rating from IGN, praising its world-building but criticizing its gameplay.