Walking Simulator

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Initially when Death Stranding debuted in 2019, opinions on it were sharply divided. While some hailed it as groundbreaking, others considered it little more than a lengthy walking experience. However, with the passage of nearly six years, the statistics are clear: over 20 million gamers have experienced the game across PlayStation, PC, Xbox, and now mobile platforms like Apple devices.

I wholeheartedly believe that a significant piece of Death Stranding’s triumph can be attributed to its clever long-term approach, a strategy devised by Kojima Productions. Instead of resting on their laurels following the PlayStation 4 debut, they extended the game’s reach with a Director’s Cut, brought it to PC platforms, and later to Xbox systems. The game eventually found its way onto cloud and Mac platforms as well. This strategic expansion not only gave a fresh lease of life to the game for those who hadn’t purchased it initially but also introduced Death Stranding to audiences who were previously unaware of its existence.

The Game Evolved, but the World Also Caught Up With Kojima

When Death Stranding initially came out, its concepts of seclusion, fractured bonds, and virtual linkage were puzzling to some. However, when the global pandemic hit, these ideas about rejuvenating society through unseen collaboration didn’t seem so far-fetched anymore. The gameplay mechanics of supplying resources, forming hidden connections, and restoring a shattered world might have gained fresh relevance in an age characterized by remote work and digital interaction.

Not only were the themes innovative, but the gameplay style, which Kojima referred to as “strand-type,” was actually a precursor to a new genre. Instead of focusing on kill loops or territory control, this approach emphasized support, subtle competition, and asynchronous cooperation. In 2019, it seemed too avant-garde. However, by 2025, games like “Dragon’s Dogma 2” and “Elden Ring” have made asynchronous play commonplace. Thus, it is plausible that Kojima was simply ahead of his time, and the growing player numbers serve as evidence to support this claim.

‘Boring Walking Sim’ Was Never the Full Picture

The term “walking simulator” was frequently used, but it oversimplified things. Death Stranding stands out by focusing on terrain navigation, resource management, and narrative through environmental storytelling, aspects that many open-world games have yet to tackle. Although the gameplay involves balancing cargo, constructing infrastructure, and planning routes with a stealth-oriented focus, it may not appeal to everyone, but there is definitely an audience for such experiences.

Death Stranding Has a Niche Audience That Found Its Way to the Game Eventually

Death Stranding, created by Kojima, is not intended to appeal universally. Instead, its slow tempo, intricate mechanics, and intentional design elements seem crafted to deter those seeking immediate satisfaction. However, for players who find themselves drawn in, it transcends being just a game. It calls for focus, requiring players to consider each choice carefully: should they accept an additional delivery risking a fall, or play it safe and leave resources behind? Thus, managing one’s stamina, assessing the terrain, and even repairing a rain-damaged container before it’s too late is not an annoyance; rather, that is the essence of the strand-type gameplay.

In contrast to other open-world games that clutter maps with diversions, Death Stranding constructs a world that is serene, desolate, and purposeful. Instead of hastily rushing towards the next destination as in many games, players in Death Stranding are more like trailblazers, taking deliberate steps one at a time to carve their path. This sense of achievement is also felt when encountering structures such as ziplines, bridges, or shelters built by other players, making them feel hard-earned and even touching for the same reason. However, Death Stranding may not appeal to players accustomed to the fast-paced, action-packed gameplay of Apex Legends. It is evident that Death Stranding took its time to develop, but it has found its niche audience now, thanks to its strategic release across multiple platforms over time.

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2025-04-15 17:07