The Risk in Kojima Productions Moving Past Death Stranding

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Summary

  • Kojima may not direct Death Stranding 3, potentially ending the series after the upcoming sequel.
  • Despite initial polarizing reception, Death Stranding series remains a long-term success critically and commercially.
  • Kojima’s pursuit of innovation means risking the success and potential longevity of the Death Stranding franchise.

The Death Stranding game series by Kojima Productions is undeniably one of the most peculiar and contentious gaming franchises available, yet it has managed to thrive and gain a dedicated fanbase eager for more. Consequently, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is coming soon, almost six years since the initial game’s launch, and despite some significant alterations, it appears to be reminiscent of the original Death Stranding that fans are familiar with. Regrettably, it could very well be the final installment in the series, as Kojima intends to pursue other projects once this game is released.

As stated in an interview with VGC, Kojima confirmed that there’s a concept for Death Stranding 3, but he won’t be the one directing it. If another team takes up this concept, they might continue the series, but more likely, the story of Death Stranding will conclude with the release of its sequel. This decision could be risky for Kojima Productions, especially if Death Stranding 2 outperforms the original game in terms of success. However, Kojima, who values storytelling over financial gain, may miss out on potential profits despite his proven track record.

Kojima May Not Want to Leave Death Stranding Behind

The Death Stranding Series Still Has Long Legs

Contrary to initial controversies at its debut, Death Stranding has demonstrated long-term achievement, both critically and financially. The game’s impressive sales, sustained player interest, and intricate world-building suggest that Kojima Productions could reap benefits from this series for a prolonged period. This is further supported by the fact that Death Stranding 2 appears to be less divisive in its early previews, even drawing positive responses from Kojima himself, who admits it’s not as polarizing as he had hoped.

As per an interview with VGC, Kojima revealed that he indeed has ideas for Death Stranding 3, yet he’s not intending to be the one to helm its direction.

If Death Stranding 2 achieves even greater success than its prequel, there’s a strong possibility that we could see additional installments in the series, such as a third, fourth, or even fifth game. Given Hideo Kojima Productions’ potential for continuous expansion through sequels, spinoffs, and DLC, the Death Stranding series could persist for over a decade. From a commercial standpoint, abandoning the series after Death Stranding 2 might be a riskier decision than it appears at first glance.

Chasing Innovation Carries a Cost

Kojima’s choice to forgo creating “Death Stranding 3,” even though he’d conceived an idea for it, demonstrates his penchant for taking risks. This decision, rather than sticking with what’s proven successful, indicates a readiness to explore uncharted territories. For fans, this could mean the next project from Kojima Productions might take unexpected turns. However, it also implies that the studio is relinquishing a sense of safety that not all game developers have.

As a dedicated gamer, I can say that Death Stranding is a unique and captivating franchise that has made its mark. However, stepping into uncharted territories could be tricky, as the successor might not resonate as deeply without the established brand recognition or emotional connection that Death Stranding currently possesses. For a fledgling independent studio like us, this is no mere risk – it’s a significant gamble.

In essence, it appears that Kojima doesn’t seem to prioritize money as his main goal, and this is shown by his ambition for Death Stranding 2 to be more controversial than its current standing suggests. Ultimately, what Kojima seems to yearn for most is to produce something unique, unusual, and profound that resonates with players on multiple levels – mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually at times when they can’t connect with anything else in the same way. Despite the fact that money might not be his primary focus, it could prove challenging for fans to let go of Death Stranding after its sequel, even if it provides a fitting conclusion to the series’ broader narrative.

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2025-05-30 15:35