Hideo Kojima has openly acknowledged that Death Stranding was a rather unconventional game—but considering his track record for crafting unique and experimental experiences, that may not come as a shock. In an interview with Edge Magazine, Kojima admitted that the original game was "weird." That might seem expected coming from someone known for pushing creative boundaries, though it was still somewhat surprising to hear such a bold creator describe his own project that way—especially when the game quickly asks players to carry the corpse of the U.S. president to an incinerator.
Yet, in the broader context of Kojima’s vision, "weird" might just scratch the surface. He also made it clear that he's not interested in making games that cater to everyone. While he may be open to tweaking gameplay mechanics or camera perspectives, the narrative and core themes remain untouched, no matter how divisive they may be. If the story feels odd to some, Kojima’s stance is simple: that’s a matter of personal taste, not a flaw in the design.
It’s also important to remember that strangeness has long been a hallmark of Kojima’s work. From a vampire game that recharges in sunlight to a recent idea involving a character who forgets everything if you stop playing, his portfolio is anything but typical. With Death Stranding 2 on the horizon—complete with a talking puppet and a villain who plays electric guitar—it’s clear that Kojima has no intention of toning things down. If this is just the beginning of "weird," it’s exciting to imagine what else he might have in store.
