Kojima Welcomes Criticisms of Death Stranding 2

Hideo Kojima, the renowned director behind Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, expressed satisfaction with the criticism and feedback the game has received during its development phases. According to Kojima, the polarization in opinions, with reactions ranging from excitement to perplexity, is an indication that the game is provoking strong reactions, which he considers positive. This attitude of welcoming feedback, even negative, is a characteristic of the director, who aims to create experiences that generate discussion.

The way Kojima approaches the development and reception of his games, using criticism as part of the creative process, contrasts with the stance of some companies that avoid controversy at all costs.

The criticisms of Death Stranding 2 range from praise for the artistic vision and narrative ambition to questions about excessive eccentricity and the depth of the mechanics. Kojima and Kojima Productions have historically released games that divide critics and audiences, but invariably become industry landmarks for their originality and boldness.

In interviews, the director mentioned the importance of creating something "that is not easily digestible," aiming to provoke reflection and debate. This approach is a bet on the intelligence of the audience, which he hopes will engage with the deeper layers of his work, even if it means confronting unconventional ideas. The trailer of 2024 for Death Stranding 2 already hinted at this eccentricity, with visual and narrative elements that defy expectations.

Recently, the game has also been the subject of news regarding overheating in PlayStation 5 consoles during its demonstrations. Reports of PS5 operating at temperature limits suggest that Kojima Productions will need to focus on optimization for the release on January 30, 2025. This technical complexity, combined with the artistic nature of the game, contributes to the polarized reactions.