Kojima Reflects on Creativity Amid Crunch for Death Stranding 2

Hideo Kojima, the renowned creator of the Metal Gear series, has recently expressed his thoughts on the challenges of game development, diving deep into the concept of "crunch time" as his team works on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Crunch time is an intense phase in game production where developers often work excessive hours to meet deadlines, a practice Kojima admits to being part of. He reflected on how this demanding period impacts his creativity, pondering how long he can maintain it as he approaches the later years of his career. Despite these concerns, Kojima shows no signs of slowing down and is eager to continue contributing to the gaming industry.

Crunch time refers to the intensely demanding phase in video game development where developers work extended hours, often sacrificing personal time to meet deadlines. It's considered physically and mentally taxing and has garnered criticism for affecting employee well-being.

Death Stranding 2 is a highly anticipated sequel to the original Death Stranding, which was released to mixed reviews, being praised for its unique storytelling but critiqued for its gameplay mechanics. The new installment is expected to delve deeper into the surreal narrative and world Kojima is famous for, continuing the legacy of innovation in gaming.