Death Stranding ‘counters’ lack of creativity in modern games, says Kojima

Hideo Kojima has spoken of his desire to “counter” declining creativity in game design with his upcoming PS4 exclusive Death Stranding.

The Japanese designer spoke about the current state of the industry during a San Diego Comic-Con panel over the weekend.

Death Stranding is the first game from the Metal Gear Solid creator since his Kojima Productions studio split with Konami in 2015 to become an independent company.

“When I first started my own production, the easiest thing for me to do is make a game where everyone is on an island and shoots each other,” Kojima said, likely referring to the popularity of the battle royale genre, according to IGN.

“Creativity is what moves civilizations forward. We’re living in an era when creativity is dictated by algorithms that it becomes meaningless almost. It’s important to counter that.”

Kojima recently said of Death Stranding’s themes and story: “People have created ‘Walls’ and become accustomed to living in isolation. Death Stranding is a completely new type of action game, where the goal of the player is to reconnect isolated cities and a fragmented society. It is created so that all elements, including the story and gameplay, are bound together by the theme of the ‘Strand’ or connection.

“As Sam Porter Bridges, you will attempt to bridge the divides in society, and in doing create new bonds or ‘Strands’ with other players around the globe. Through your experience playing the game, I hope you’ll come to understand the true importance of forging connections with others.”

Announced at E3 2016. Death Stranding features a cast of high-profile actors including Norman Reedus and Mads Mikkelsen, although at one stage the latter’s role might have gone to Cyberpunk 2077 star Keanu Reeves.

“I originally was recommended Keanu Reeves but I wanted Mads,” Kojima is reported to have said at Comic-Con.

The designer also revealed the box art for the game, before publisher Sony released the official assets, including a first look at the SteelBook edition.

Sony recently confirmed a Death Stranding release date of November 8, 2019.

• Related: MGS V’s Quiet actress thought she was playing Death Stranding’s Fragile