Hideo Kojima, the legendary video game designer behind Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, has always been a visionary who pushes boundaries. Recently, at 61, he’s opened up about his mortality, sparking conversations among fans and the gaming industry. A health scare during the 2020 pandemic forced him to confront life’s fragility, reshaping his creative priorities. As he prepares for the June 26, 2025, release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Kojima’s thoughts on life and death are influencing his work and legacy, making this a pivotal moment in his career.
Hideo Kojima’s Health Scare and New Perspective
In 2020, Hideo Kojima faced a serious illness and an eye operation, experiences that shook his sense of invincibility. For the first time, he began thinking about how many years he has left to create. “I didn’t feel my age until then,” he shared in a recent interview. The pandemic, coupled with the loss of people around him, prompted a profound shift. He started questioning how much time he has to bring his ambitious ideas to life, estimating perhaps a decade remains for active game development.
This brush with mortality didn’t slow him down. Instead, it fueled his drive to create meaningful projects. Kojima rewrote parts of Death Stranding 2 to reflect themes of isolation and connection, influenced by the global health crisis. His focus on legacy also led to a unique contingency plan: a USB stick filled with game ideas for his team at Kojima Productions to use after he’s gone. This “digital will” ensures his creative vision endures, even if he can’t see every project through himself.
Hideo Kojima’s Ambitious Projects and Legacy
Despite his reflections on mortality, Hideo Kojima shows no signs of slowing down. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set to launch soon, featuring a star-studded cast including Norman Reedus, Elle Fanning, and Troy Baker. The game blends tactical espionage elements reminiscent of Metal Gear Solid with the delivery-focused gameplay of its predecessor. Kojima has hinted at a day/night cycle and new mechanics like monorail building, enhancing the open-world experience. Fans are buzzing about the game’s bold narrative, which explores loss and human connection, themes deeply tied to his recent life experiences.
Beyond gaming, Kojima is venturing into new territory. He’s working on a live-action Death Stranding film with A24, aiming to create a cinematic experience that stands apart from typical game adaptations. An anime adaptation of Death Stranding is also in development, showcasing his desire to explore new storytelling mediums. Additionally, two other projects are in the works: OD, a horror game with Xbox Game Studios and director Jordan Peele, and Physint, a PS5-exclusive action-espionage title that feels like a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid. These projects highlight Kojima’s relentless creativity, even as he contemplates his finite time.
A USB Stick for the Future
Kojima’s forward-thinking approach to his legacy is both practical and poetic. The USB stick he’s entrusted to his assistant contains concepts like a game where characters age in real-time or forget skills if players take breaks. These ideas reflect his obsession with blending real-world elements into gaming. “What happens to Kojima Productions after I’m gone?” he asked, expressing his hope that his studio will continue innovating rather than just managing existing IPs.
This preparation stems from his pandemic-era realization that life is unpredictable. While he’s not planning to step away soon, Kojima wants his team to have a roadmap. His ideas range from the practical—like Sam’s beard growing in Death Stranding 2—to the wildly experimental, like a game spanning an entire lifetime. This blend of ambition and pragmatism defines his approach to both life and death.
Balancing Controversy and Creativity
Kojima’s philosophy has always been to challenge norms, even if it polarizes audiences. He once noted that 60% of Death Stranding playtesters called it “terrible,” a reaction he saw as a “good balance.” For Death Stranding 2, early feedback is overwhelmingly positive, which oddly disappoints him—he prefers his work to spark debate. This commitment to originality, even at the risk of alienating some, underscores his artistic integrity.
His recent projects also show a playful side. For instance, Death Stranding 2 features a cameo from VTuber Usada Pekora, a nod to his love for anime culture, though it sparked mixed reactions among fans. Kojima’s ability to weave personal passions into his work keeps his creations fresh and unpredictable, even as he grapples with deeper existential questions.
A Lasting Impact
Hideo Kojima’s reflections on life and death have added a new layer of depth to his work. At 61, he’s not just creating games but crafting a legacy that will outlive him. His willingness to confront mortality while pushing creative boundaries inspires fans and creators alike. As Death Stranding 2 approaches, the gaming world watches eagerly, knowing Kojima’s vision will continue to challenge and captivate.
Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on Hideo Kojima’s latest projects and how his reflections on life and death shape his art in the comments below.