Kojima confirms Death Stranding 3, skips development

Hideo Kojima already has conceptual plans for Death Stranding 3, though he confirms he won't be directing it personally. Here's what we know about potential future sequels to Death Stranding 2 and what's next for Kojima Productions.

Death Stranding 3 May Not Be Under Kojima's Direction

Death Stranding 2 Sets Up Potential for Multiple Sequels

During a May 8 interview with VGC, Death Stranding 2 director Hideo Kojima revealed he's already conceptualized ideas for Death Stranding 3, though he won't be the one developing it. He explained how a key mechanic from DS2 - the "Plate Gates" system - could enable numerous sequels set in different global locations.

"If I utilize this Plate Gate concept, the franchise could theoretically produce endless sequels," Kojima stated. However, he was quick to clarify: "While I've conceived a potential sequel concept, I have no intention of developing it myself. If passed to another team, they could certainly bring it to life." This suggests the Death Stranding universe may continue under new creative leadership.

The Pandemic Reshaped Death Stranding 2's Themes

Kojima discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered Death Stranding 2's thematic direction. The original game released in November 2019 with a message about human connection, just months before global lockdowns occurred.

"The first game warned about isolation as nations retreated inward, like Brexit. Its core theme was 'Let's connect - disaster awaits if we don't,' expressed through both narrative and gameplay," Kojima explained. Remarkably, the pandemic mirrored these themes, particularly through the Chiral Network's parallels to real-world internet connectivity.

"The internet allowed us to survive lockdowns through digital connection," he noted. "But now that same technology divides us as people retreat into metaverse isolation." This realization led Kojima to rewrite DS2's thematic framework.

The sequel's visual motifs reflect this shift - where the original's logo strands symbolized "Let's Connect," DS2's conveys "We Should Never Have Connected." Kojima teased: "When you truly contemplate connection's nature, troubling questions emerge... That's all I'll reveal for now."

Kojima's Expanding Creative Horizons

While potentially stepping back from future Death Stranding installments, Kojima has several ambitious projects underway. At The Game Awards 2023, he unveiled "OD" (formerly Overdose), a collaboration with Jordan Peele and Microsoft Game Studios.

"This Microsoft project has been in development for 5-6 years," Kojima shared. "It requires unprecedented technical infrastructure - many companies initially thought the concept impossible."

Additionally, PlayStation will publish Kojima's "next-generation action espionage game," announced during January 2024's State of Play. Described as a new original IP, this project marks Kojima's return to espionage gameplay following Metal Gear. "This title will represent the culmination of my 40-year career," he declared.

While these ventures progress, fans can anticipate Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, scheduled for PS5 release on June 26, 2025. Kojima recently commented on adjusting the game's marketing timeline following GTA 6's delayed announcement.